For years my sister was made to be Executrix of my mothers estate, then something changed, she lives out of state and came in for a visit to my mother, which she made her pay for her and her husband's plane fare and proceeded to have her sign a POA and put her name on her bank account and steal SS card, birth certificate, marriage license and holds deeds to cemetery plots one of which is to be used for my Mom when the time comes.. What damage can she do with these documents and how can I legally pursue this?
My Mom was the one doing all the financial paperwork and keeping tract of documents. Once she passed, I noticed that my Dad was ignoring all these things, in fact he was throwing out bills that needed to be paid, apparently he thought it was junk mail.... thank goodness his caregiver gave me a heads up on what he was doing.
Thus, I gathered all of the legal documents, the financial files, birth certificate, made copy of Dad's social security card, made copies of his Medicare and 2nd insurance cards, took all the bills, etc. and took them home with me. It has taken me 3-4 months to sort through everything but I almost have it all under control. I am also my Dad's Power of Attorney, both for financial and for medical. Thank goodness he had signed the POA that the Elder Law Attorney had drawn up last spring, as today he may or may not have been able to understand the legal documents.
Dad also wanted my name on his bank accounts so that I could sign checks for him, as he didn't want to bother doing checks any more. I tell you it is a lot of work keeping up with Dad's accounts and pulling money from other accounts to add to the checking.... Dad's bills are high now that he is in senior living.
Do you and your sister have a good relationship? Maybe you are assigning something sinister, where it should not be. Being an Executrix, and now POA, is a huge responsibility, and one frankly, I prefer Not to have, as often it brings out other family members judgements, jealously and accusations. Also, it takes an immense amount of time to work out all of the details of someone else's finances, and make sure all of their bills are paid, their burial is paid and executed properly, and inheritance monies and property assignments are enforced, and people do not give enough credit, to those elected to this position! If I were you, I would ask some mild and curious questions, without judgement, as you will catch more flies with honey! Also, depending on exactly how your Mom has expressed her desires, your sister has No legal responsibility to reveal Anything to you, this is between her and your Mom, and your sister has the responsible of carry out your Moms wishes, now, and after she passes. Unfortunately, somebody has to do it, and your Mom chose her for a reason. It's not a game of favorites, it's not about choosing one who you feel has your best interest at heart.