I am suspecting elder abuse of my father. Particularly financial exploitation by my sister. What can I do?

My father is 69 years old and my mother just passed away 3 weeks ago. My younger sister has took over their finances and checkbook and has moved into their house with him. She took him to the courthouse and had him sign a durable power of attorney. I do not think my father understands fully what he has signed as he had a stroke in 1997 and never handled any of his own financial affairs. My mother did that. My sister will not voluntarily involve me in helping take care of my father. The power of attorney and all was done behind my back. Before my mother died her and my father had a basic will that stated in the event of her death my father was left everything and in the event of his death she was left everything. In the event that both of them pass everything is left to me and my sister to share equally. The thing is there is nothing and I want nothing. They are in a terrible financial state to the point where he could lose his home. I just want to make sure my father is taken care of.

As I stated previously my mother and father were by no means well off. They have a lot of debt that needs to be taken care of and I fear when my mother's life insurance money comes in that the bills will not get paid and my sister's wallet will become fuller and my father will be left high and dry. My sister also does not have the best track record.

contact your states department of human services.
they will have a division called Adult Protective Services.
they deal solely with these type of issues and will get involved and help you resolve the situation. if your concerns turn out to be fact and your sister is taking advantage of your father that is considered elder abuse. APS is charged with the job of protecting the elderly from all abuse. it is good you care about your father, so many today don't care about their parents..............sad, very sad

Good Luck

get a lawyer.

Insert yourself right in the middle of this - don't assume that everything will be OK for your Dad. It sounds like you are pretty sure things aren't...

If there is nothing to "have", then there must be another motivation for your sister to get so close - any idea what it would be? Is it completely philanthropic, meaning her #1 focus is your Dad? Is it something else? Is it fully in support of your Dad's best interest?

When I'm facing a tough decision (like challenging my own sister's decision-making abilities), I begin with the end in mind. When it's all said and done, will I have any regrets about what I didn't (key term) do? When I lay my head on my pillow each night, do I know that I have done everything possible to right the situation?

You will make the right decision...

She has the POA. HE can cancel it, or you can take your evidence and an atty to court and have him declared incompetant and have yourself appointed guardian or conservator.