6 Times a Power of Attorney Was Used Against a Parent’s Wishes
All too often, families put their trust in a loved one with power of attorney. They believe that, because they are family, they will always act in their best interest. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Here are six examples of when a power of attorney was used against a parent’s wishes. Some hard lessons lie ahead.
1. When a Child Blocks a Parent from Seeing Loved Ones
A recent case involved a woman whose brother held power of attorney and prevented their mother—who had dementia—from seeing her daughter, despite the mother’s desire to reunite. Even as the mother expressed a wish to see her daughter, the brother kept enforcing the ban. The daughter had little legal recourse, making the isolation deeply painful. It’s a stark example of POA used not to help, but to control.
2. Unauthorized Withdrawals by a Mother-in-Law
In another instance, a mother-in-law with POA quietly withdrew $25,000 from her son’s account without his knowledge or approval. She attempted to justify it by claiming she knew what was best. This unauthorized move violated the principal’s wishes and financial autonomy. When agents overstep boundaries, their actions become abusive—even if they say it’s for someone’s benefit. A clear case of power of attorney abused against the parent’s interests.
3. Siblings Fighting Over Parental Financial Control
In situations where siblings share power of attorney, conflicts can explode—especially if one sibling keeps financial decisions secret or spends on themselves. The Keystone Law Group describes how one sibling might refuse to share financial statements or make decisions without consulting others. Legal experts say misuse doesn’t always mean theft—it can be neglect or opaque behavior too.
4. Financial Exploitation in Quiet Betrayal
Experts report that seniors are especially vulnerable when POA is granted to someone they trust—often a family member or caregiver. One tragic case saw an agent siphoning life savings over time, leaving the elder destitute. It was not the financial value that mattered—the betrayal feels immeasurable. This is a devastating real-world example of how power of attorney is abused and highlights how slippery oversight can be.
5. Elder Abuse Spotlight: Australia Inquiry Finds Widespread Coercion
In Queensland, an inquiry discovered that there were multiple cases where the power of attorney was being used against the person’s best interests. Seniors were isolated from friends and family. Assets were seized. And property was transferred against their wishes. The POA was able to do this with emotional coercion, threats of eviction, and manipulation. All of this to get the principal’s money or assets. Most of the time, these things happened in family or home settings, and it was shocking to see what was uncovered.
6. When Agents Refuse to Share Financial Info with Siblings
Sometimes parental wishes are subverted not by theft but by secrecy. A sibling holding POA may refuse to share bank statements or decisions, claiming unilateral authority. Other family members then suspect misuse—yet lack proof because no transparency exists. This type of behavior can cause legal battles and emotional rifts, representing a form of power of attorney that is abused against a parent’s interests. It serves as a warning: lack of openness is a red flag.
Protecting Parent Autonomy When POA Issues Arise
If you think that someone is abusing their power of attorney, it’s important to take action. Family members can request oversight or petition the court to revoke the POA. If they are still competent, the principal can also revoke the document directly. To help safeguard your parents’ rights, you need to be proactive and keep thorough records. Transparency is key!
Has your family ever faced a situation where someone used POA to override a parent’s wishes? How was it handled—and what would you have done differently? Share your perspective in the comments.
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