Squabbling Over An Elderly Parent’s Quality Of Care
When siblings fight over how parents should be cared for, that is usually a sign of problems to come, including possible litigation, advisors say.
Such court battles only end up wasting money that could be used for caregiving.
“It requires attorneys who often charge an hourly rate,” Chancey said. “Involving the courts and lawyers in a family dispute is never good and it's more expensive than it appears in the beginning of a legal action. Every dollar spent on attorneys fees is less money that can be invested in retirement savings.”
Instead of calling an attorney or going to court, Johannessen suggests arranging a meeting with siblings and a local geriatric care manager, while including the at-risk aging parent.
“Employing a care manager locally can help adult children identify resources that may be otherwise unknown while also putting in place local support for when out-of-town relatives aren't immediately available,” Johannessen said.