Seattle, WA asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Kansas

Q: Can my mother's grandson be her attorney on her will?

He set up his mother, my sister, as the power of attorney and I'm not sure what it covers other than her medical, yet she manages her finances, as well. There may be future issues regarding the will so I'm concerned that this representation will be biased.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Fowlerville, MI

A: It is not an 'inherent' conflict of interest for a lawyer to represent a blood relative. But what you ask depends on facts you don't provide -- what will the will say?

For example, I drafted my parents will which provided that as a secondary beneficiary (after them) I received an equal share of their estate with my siblings. IF they had wanted ME to get everything and cut out one of my siblings I would have suggested they have a different attorney prepare the will because that WOULD have caused issues.

No, so long as the grandson is a licensed attorney it is not 'wrong' for him to do this, but there are concerns that he will (ideally) manage.

-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.

I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.