Dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another condition causing loss of competence is difficult enough. The problem becomes even more troublesome when the condition acts as a spark to ignite family conflict. Sibling rivalries, second marriages, the refusal to accept reduced competency, and simple greed are but some of the situations that add fuel to the fire and foster dramatic family feuds. Often the fire grows so great that families become torn in half, spending months – or even years – battling in probate court. Sadly, many families are never able to repair the damage, emotionally or financially.
No one wants to end up in probate court fighting in a public family squabble. What can be done to avoid it? Sometimes nothing. If someone else is determined to steal from, cheat, take advantage of, or improperly care for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may have no choice but to go to court. Other times, however, messy and expensive probate court battles can be prevented, or at least minimized. How? Two ways: Know when to call an experienced probate litigation attorney, and know your legal rights.
The first one is easy. Anytime you suspect that someone is not acting properly towards an elderly loved one in a way that will either jeopardize that persons’ care or well-being, or may result in a loss of assets, then you should call an attorney who regularly represents clients in contested probate matters. Many such attorneys offer a low-cost or even free consultation. For example, the experienced attorneys at The Center for Probate Litigation will provide a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and let you know whether action is required. Too many families regret waiting and doing nothing – when in doubt, call an expert.
The second way to protect your family and often avoid drawn out court proceedings
is to become educated about your legal rights. The Center for Elder Law
and The Center for Probate Litigation will be issuing a series of articles
for families of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
to educate about what they may face when a family dispute or conflict
threatens to surface. These articles will be included in upcoming E-Letters,
on the following topics:
Challenging a Power of Attorney or Patient Advocate Designation
Guardianship & Conservatorship Disputes
Theft and Loss of Assets
Challenging Changes to a Joint Asset, Will or Trust
By Andrew Mayoras, The Center for Probate Litigation