A simple decision to add a family member to a joint bank account ended up costing a Long Island family $96,000—and fractured their relationships. After their father died, two brothers thought putting their elderly mother’s inheritance into a joint CD would make things easier. Instead, one brother withdrew every penny and cut off contact, leaving the other devastated. Legally, the bank says nothing was wrong—joint owners can take all the money. This story is a tough reminder: when it comes to family and finances, trust isn’t enough. Clear paperwork and careful planning matter more than we think. How do you protect your loved ones from situations like this? #Relationships #LongIsland #FamilyFinance