My name was on my mom's bank accounts but it was listed as "her name' or "my name' POA. What about the 'or'?

yeah we have just about completed the probate process so it is mute, but I don't want to make the same mistake for myself down the road. Mom made it clear to the bank when we made the changes how it was to be set up and it obviously was not done correctly. We were told the 'or' made the account both of ours. Although I was POA on her healthcare and other issues, I don't believe it should've been included here in this case, cause as you state, that ends at death. Being set up like this did not make me co-owner. Lesson learned along the way. Thanks for your response.

If it stated her name or your name POA then there are only two options. The account is hers by ownership, or is accessible to you as POA. There is no ownership to you and POA ends on death.

If it had said her name or your name (no mention of POA) and both of your ss numbers were associated with the account then it would be dual ownership. If it had payable on death to you, then you could avoid probate. At this point, with her passing, this account becomes part of her estate, and will likely have to go through probate to be distributed to her heirs. If you are her only heir, then this account will be yours after probate.

Angel

frequent flyer, I believe that is how mom's was set up as well, however when she passed it was only like they looked at the POA, not that I was 'or'. I'm thinking that adding the POA just muddied the water?

When I set up new bank accounts for my Dad, the bank recommended the checks say [Dad's name or my name] written just like that. Since the account is under Dad's social security, any interest goes to him. That way I can write checks to pay Dad's bills.

If it was a joint account, the documents would have said so. Obviously you were only added as a signatory (POA). That is fairly common.
Now, the Will is in force, with the Executor in charge of getting the assets run through a probate proceeding.