Q: Can a brother or sister determine how another sister leads their lif such as pay their bills?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Generally, siblings don't have the legal right to control how their brother or sister manages their life or finances unless specific legal arrangements are in place.
If you're concerned about your sibling's ability to handle their own affairs, they would need to grant permission through legal documents like power of attorney. Without such authorization, even well-meaning family members can't make financial or personal decisions for another adult sibling. The only exception might be if your sibling becomes incapacitated and the court appoints you as their guardian or conservator.
If you're worried about your sibling's wellbeing, consider having an open conversation with them about your concerns. You could offer support and guidance while respecting their independence. Should there be serious concerns about their capacity to manage their affairs, consulting with an elder law attorney would help you understand the available legal options and proper steps to take.
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.
