I am so sorry for your loss.  No, POD ot TOD accounts are intended to transfer the assets immediately upon the death of the owner and to avoid the probate process.  They are often referred to as "totten trusts" under many state laws.  I am assuming that his wife is inheriting what was jointly held.  She could contest this if the estate does not hold enough assets under the law for her to inherit but your claim here is that this was inherited property - separate property - that has always remained separate and is not community property.  Good luck.