Yep you need a signature. But for example my mom opened one with me and she did all the leg work lmao. She came with some forms for me to sign and then took them to the bank and it was done. I don't remember actually physically being there. And she took my license and passport to show them.
In my local area, that is unheard of...both parties have to be present and with the determining documents required thereof.
Obviously most banks have their own protocol when it comes to opening a joint account. I'd imagine that you need both people to sign it... so the other one would have to drop by at least for a minute or two to sign the papers. Easiest way to know? Call your bank and ask them.
Even with protocol I would still be careful and check frequently. You never know when something could have went wrong. I try to check my bank account everyday to see my balance.
It depends on the banks I think, some demand that both people are there, to others it's just necessary to be signed and have the identification document.
Yes, at least I think you can. That's how my account was opened but I think it may have just been because the people at the bank already knew us from before we tried to open that account. It may go on a case by case or state by state basis. I'm really not too sure. If you are related or married then it should be much easier than if it was just a common-law sort of thing.