Opinion ID: 1493753
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The presumption applicable to joint accounts.[9]

Text: The legal principles governing this appeal, like the historical facts, are largely undisputed, [10] although the parties are at odds over their proper application to the present record. As this court explained in Davis v. Altmann, 492 A.2d 884, 885 (D.C. 1985), [w]here a party opens a joint account for [her]self and another without consideration, the account is presumed opened for the convenience of that party. Edstrom v. Kuder, 351 A.2d 506, 509 n.7 (D.C.1976); Murray v. Gadsden, 91 U.S.App. D.C. [38,] 44, 197 F.2d [194], 200 [(1952)]. This presumption applies in all cases where the funds have been contributed by one of the parties even where the printed bank card signed by the parties recites a right of survivorship. Imirie v. Imirie, 100 U.S.App. D.C. 371, 372, 246 F.2d 652, 653 (1957). This presumption has the effect of shifting the burden of proof to the one claiming gift. Harrington v. Emmerman, 88 U.S.App. D.C. [23,] 27, 186 F.2d [757,] 761 [(1950)]. Accord, In re Estate of Delaney, 819 A.2d 968, 990 (D.C.2003). In this case, Mr. Stefan does not deny that all of the money in the joint account was placed there by Mrs. Walker. Accordingly, at least prior to the enactment of the Uniform Act, the presumption that the account was created for Mrs. Walker's convenience was fully applicable.