Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Indiana
Obtaining Power of Attorney
My grandmother has slowly become less able to take care of her personal finances. Many utlities have been shut off for non-payment. We get her to pay the bills and get them back on but it would be easier for me to take care of them for her. We have discussed POA, and she at first seemed receptive to the idea, but when we try to set up an appointment with an atorney, she backs out. Her mind is slowly getting worse, this last Christmas she barely recognized myself and my sisters. Is ther a legal way to get POA on her to make sure her finances are taken care of, without her consent? I'm not trying to take advantage of her, just want to make sure her light bill gets paid. I believe she gets enough money per month to satisfy her bills, she just gets forgetful and doesn't pay them.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Obtaining Power of Attorney
You should consult with an attorney; perhaps a guardianship is needed. I commend you for your efforts to take care of your grandma.
Re: Obtaining Power of Attorney
You really need to have a POA in place if possible. If the fact that your grandmother doesn't like coming to the office, we may be able to help you with that. The other thing you can do is set up her bills to be automatically drafted from her bank account on a certain day of each month. This way you know the bills would be paid.
If you are interested in talking, feel free to give our office a call. We can do most of the information over the phone or online, and then do the final review and signing in person.
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