Atlanta, GA asked in Elder Law for Tennessee

Q: If a 59 year old brother resides in his 67 year old sister's home and pays rent, is he legally bound to care for her?

Sister is disabled and is a drug addict. Brother is suffering from Parkinson's disease. Brother has been told if he moves out, it is abandonment and he will be arrested. Brother does not have the ability to care for her and does not wish to be involved in her lifestyle. If he is legally bound, what can he do to remove himself? She has an adult son as well.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Unless they have some sort of contract, he can do what he wants when he wants. If he is "legally bound" as you say by that contract, it needs to be examined by an attorney. Elder abuse is not tolerated in Tennessee and your brother should not be taken advantage of due to his Parkinson's.

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