Financial Issues

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Finances are part of most family disputes.  Parents have often kept their children uninformed about their finances. As a result, when families face critical decisions regarding ongoing expenses for a parent's living, housing, medical needs or care-giving, they often meet resistance from the parents to get involved or to share information.

Not uncommonly, family members may mistrust each other to manage their parents financial matters.  Financial abuse can occur, sometimes unintentionally, but can be prevented by making arrangements among family members for monitoring and communication.

In situations where the senior decides to designate a Power of Attorney, they often select the "favorite" or the eldest sibling, or the one who has been most attentive to their needs.  The choice may cause conflict and resentment among the other siblings. 

Sometimes conservators are appointed just to take care of the financial matters of the elder, if they cannot do it themselves.

Mediation is a way for family members to come together, discuss the issues in a safe environment, and reach agreements about how best to move forward.