Mum just died – how can I protect her estate from fraud?
Please could I have your advice.
For over 30 years my mum was totally devoted to me and my siblings. For 5 years she had the most heartbreaking illness. She become more and more paralyzed and recently passed away. My half-sister had lasting power of attorney. She said that she was going to give herself money from my mum’s account to "cover her expenses". How can I be sure that she didn’t take too much?
Now mum’s flat is being sold *really* quickly on the cheap. I feel this is perhaps not what mum would have wanted because the property value will almost certainly rise in the future.
I am also worried that the flat will be sold for more than the official price. E.g. sold for £180,000 with the rest of the family being told it was only sold for £120,000. The undeclared amount would presumably be split between the solicitor and my sister and her husband (or maybe my sister doesn’t know – with her husband and the solicitor in secret agreement). I am not saying that this is happening but just that I owe it to mum to make sure it doesn’t happen. But I don’t know how. I feel so powerless. Please could I have your advice?
i think you are worrying about nothing
your sister by law has to keep records and receipts, she has the power of attorney that does not mean she can help her self to your mums money with out proof that she is entitled to it.
if your talking about a few hundred pounds (if your in the UK ) its not worth falling out over, but if she is claiming she is out of pocket by thousands then ask to see proof.
i don’t know if your mother left a will, but if you feel the house is being sold to cheap ask the solicitor why, ask them who valued the house, and if your really not happy, tell them you want to have it valued your self.
this is the time to speak up if your not happy, don’t wait fore it all to be done then end up brooding about it for years, speak up now.
but please do remember your not the only one who has lost your mother, just coz your sister seems to be getting on with things does not mean she don’t miss your mum.
good luck