Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Family Problem

I need help with a family situation in

PA. My great aunt is 84, her only

daughter is in her 50's, and on

numerous meds for depression and

bipolar disorder. The last year

or so, her boyfriend of 20plus years

has changed and has become very

mean to her. He has ruined his credit

with bad purchases, and is now

having my cousin purchase things in

her name, pay off billls etc.... simply

because she 'can't say no' to people.

When she tries to stick up for

herself, he becomes very mean and

threatens her. Because of her

current mental state, is there

anything I can do to help her?

Is there any law or code that can

help me HELP HER? Shes taking care

of an elderly mother, and she has no

idea of right or wrong right now.

Should I have power of attny for

her? He has taken them down to

their last $8K for my Aunt's burial.

Please help!


Asked on 4/22/08, 8:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jason McCready Jason M. McCready, Atty. at Law

Re: Family Problem

A power of attorney will not work, as that would not give you the power to keep her from making any bad financial decisions. A guardianship would work, but you would have to prove that she is "incompetent". This would include a court hearing, including testimony from a doctor that your cousin is mentally unable to take care of her financial affairs, which is a very heavy burden to prove. Also, since you are in Virginia, you might want to find a closer relative, as it is better for a guardian to live close to the person being taken care of.

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Answered on 4/22/08, 9:11 pm


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