Tweet
A few years ago, my stepfather, with whom I am very close, withdrew money from his and my mother's joint account. He gave it to my eldest daughter in cash. An initial £10.000 was made in 2017, and periodic payments totaling £13,000 were made until 2021. These payments were deposited in my daughter's savings account. I'm sure he did it to avoid paying full rent and council tax, but that's not the issue here, so please don't judge.
As a result of several falls at home, my mother is in the hospital for the third time in as many months. Care has been provided for her, and she is due to be discharged on Monday. Since my mother fell for the first time roughly three months ago, my stepbrother, whom I have only met on a few occasions, came on the scene after seeing his father a handful of times over the last three years.
In a phone call yesterday, he insisted that the money be returned. We have no problem with it, but he wants it paid by check and only in my stepfather's name. Here's the problem. If my stepfather receives the money, my mother's money is gone for all practical purposes.
In the meantime, my mom is waiting for an assessment to determine whether she has dementia. In my six years of caring for dementia patients, there is no doubt in my mind that she has the disease.
It's tough for us to figure out what to do. Since it's not our money, we have no intention of keeping it, but half of that belongs to my mother. My stepbrother cannot possibly want it since he is extremely well off financially. There is no evidence that this money was ever given to my daughter, either written or verbally. Please advise.
As a result of several falls at home, my mother is in the hospital for the third time in as many months. Care has been provided for her, and she is due to be discharged on Monday. Since my mother fell for the first time roughly three months ago, my stepbrother, whom I have only met on a few occasions, came on the scene after seeing his father a handful of times over the last three years.
In a phone call yesterday, he insisted that the money be returned. We have no problem with it, but he wants it paid by check and only in my stepfather's name. Here's the problem. If my stepfather receives the money, my mother's money is gone for all practical purposes.
In the meantime, my mom is waiting for an assessment to determine whether she has dementia. In my six years of caring for dementia patients, there is no doubt in my mind that she has the disease.
It's tough for us to figure out what to do. Since it's not our money, we have no intention of keeping it, but half of that belongs to my mother. My stepbrother cannot possibly want it since he is extremely well off financially. There is no evidence that this money was ever given to my daughter, either written or verbally. Please advise.
