ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Hello, I am the oldest of 3 siblings. We provide all financial support to our elderly mother to pay her rent and other utilities (which my youngest sibling lives in too and makes use of.) My question is, is even though I pay for most of my mother’s expenses along with my other brother, my sister who lives off our mother, does not work nor contribute to anything. When our mother was in the hospital, my sister didn’t even go visit, and actually used our mother’s debit card while in the hospital. She doesn’t contribute to her financially wellbeing. So, is my sister also legally responsible for the so called filial responsibility even if she herself isn’t stable? Thank you.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Children are not legally responsible to care for their parents. Siblings also have no responsibility to each other either. Your mother should make an estate plan so that you and your brother are reimbursed for your financial support while also safeguarding your sister’s benefits, assuming she has any. Not quite sure by what you mean by unstable.
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Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
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