<prompt> Human: I have online access to my moms mutual fund accounts one of which is a traditional IRA. They are currently set up to disburse a small monthly amount to her personal bank account which I can also withdraw from. I havent notified the mutual fund manager of my moms death. I could transfer a portionall of the mutual fund money to her bank, and then withdraw it from there. What are the legal risks and possible financial penalties? Wouldnt it appear that my mom had made the transfer to me? The will does state her assets go to me, so thats there.  <response>: Dont do anything without consulting the lawyer who helped create her will, or who you have retained to help settle her estate. Just because the will says that her assets go to you does not mean that these assets are yours to take today. The estate needs to be settled, and whoever is in charge of handling it has a responsibility to make sure that the money is managed appropriately in the meantime. If money goes missing, and a debt doesnt get paid, that could cause legal trouble. 