Opinion
May 14, 1998
Appeal from the Supreme Court, New York County (Ira Gammerman, J.).
Although we are empowered to make our own findings of fact respecting this matter, decided by trial term on the basis of the parties submissions pursuant to the parties stipulation ( see, Abrahami v. UPC Constr. Co., 224 A.D.2d 231, 233). we find no basis to disturb the court's finding that plaintiff had carried her burden of proving, and defendant had failed to rebut, that the accounts opened by decedent were joint accounts and that she had a right of survivorship (see, Banking Law § 675 [b]). This finding was properly based upon the bank rules and regulations, and the agreement of plaintiff and decedent to such rules as evidenced by their execution of signature cards. Since the testimony of the bank witnesses and plaintiff's expert was not necessary to the disposition of this issue, we need not consider the arguments addressed to the admissibility of such testimony. We further note that plaintiff's testimony, regarding her own intent, was admissible, inasmuch as it concerned her own intent in opening the accounts and was not based on any conversation with the decedent.
Concur — Sullivan, J.P., Rosenberger, Williams and Tom, JJ.