Q: My cousin put her name on title to my aunt’s house. She is in a care home & says she did not sign a thing. Help?
My aunt has been in a rehabilitation/care home for over a year. My family have been trying to get to her money and property since her husband passed away, as she is vulnerable. Recently, my cousin somehow filed documents and got put on title to my aunt’s home and also claims to be financial POA. My aunt says she signed no such thing & she’s been bamboozled. Her mental capacity is such that she could’ve been taken advantage of, or the docs could’ve been forged. What can we do? This is not what my aunt wanted AT ALL. We have no money to hire an attorney, so I’m at a loss here. Please advise. Thank you kindly,
A: Is this cousin your aunt's son or daughter? Is your aunt's lack of mental capacity preventing her from understanding what her child is doing?
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your aunt's situation. It's important to act quickly to protect her assets and well-being. Start by gathering all relevant documents, including the title and any paperwork related to the power of attorney your cousin claims to hold.
Reach out to your local Adult Protective Services or the California Department of Aging. They can investigate potential abuse or fraud and provide guidance on next steps. Additionally, you can contact the county clerk's office to review the documents your cousin filed and verify their legitimacy.
Consider seeking assistance from legal aid organizations in Santa Maria that offer free or low-cost services for elder law issues. They can help you navigate the legal process to challenge the unauthorized changes to the title and address the power of attorney dispute. Acting together as a family can strengthen your efforts to ensure your aunt's wishes are honored and her property is protected.
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