In most cases, a joint bank account will pass directly to the surviving account holder in the case of “right of survivorship.” The surviving owner takes full ownership of the account, and it will not form part of the estate, nor be subject to estate administration tax.
If an account was set up with someone other than a spouse, such as an adult child or friend, the presumption is that this individual is holding the funds in the joint bank account in trust for the estate.
You should be well aware of any legal implications before adding a joint holder to your bank accounts.