Out of the blue my sister has demanded my mom's car that my son has been driving with my mother's permission for 2 years. My sister and I both are POA of mom's affairs. Why she suddenly thinks she is entitled is beyond me. She lives out of state and does virtually nothing to help while my son lived with my mom for a period of time to help care for her, now lives with us and I handle all of her finances, trips to the dr, etc. Thoughts? Advice? Can I stop her? I should also state that at this stage, mom is suffering from dementia.
Sell the car and put the money towards your mothers needs.
Or
Starting using the car exclusively for your mothers needs ie trips to the doctors and shopping for the supplies and personal items your mother needs.
You could still have a long road in front of you as far as looking after your mother s care is concerned. I’m sure this journey will be much easier with your sister playing on the same team.
But, if dementia is preventing her from really making decisions, then, I'd rely on the document that gives you authority as her POA/fiduciary. I'd likely consult with an attorney to make sure that I was on sound legal footing in making my decision, but, what about your son driving the car now benefits your mother? Does he drive her to doctor appointments on the car? Does he get her groceries, take her on drives, run her errands, etc? And how would your sister using the car benefit your mom? I'd address this and then decide how to proceed.
Regardless, I wouldn't let a $1300. used car ruin my relationship with my sister. Life is too short.
I would ask the attorney about selling the car at fair market value and using the money for mother's use, if she no longer needs the car. Would your son want to buy it?
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