Relatives pressuring step-daughter into becoming POA for her mother

[gtcpl2]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

My step-daughter, Toni, is 16. Her mother has Huntington's Disease and is currently in a foster care home. Toni's grandfather currently has POA of her mother and wants to transfer POA over to Toni when she becomes 18. He wants to wash his hands clean because he is concerned it might be detrimental to him financially. They apparently want her to sign papers now. Toni's father and I don't feel that she is mature enough to handle such major medical decisions about her mother - even when she is 18. It is quite a load to dump on a child at that age. Most of Toni's aunts and uncles have Huntington's Disease except for one uncle. There are two cousins who have been handling matters for her mother over the last year or so. They apparently don't want anything to do with it either. Can our daughter refuse to become POA until a later age? What kind of financial problems might arise from her being POA? If no one wants to be POA, will the state take care of her mother? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Which relatives who are nor Dx with HC have been tested for HC?
Has current Guardian been tested? Has Toni? This may have some bearing on these decisions, if they have not been tested, they need to be before any decision is made. Contact the state department of social services to inquire if here are any programs for genetic illnesses.

 

[BlondiePB]

The court in the county where Toni's mother resides can appoint a Professional Guardian to take care of her.

 

[gtcpl2]

Michigan

No one in the family except Toni's mother has been tested for Huntington's at this point. This disease is on her mother's side of the family.

If the court were to appoint a guardian or POA, are there fees involved and who would be responsible for them: the present POA, the daughter, or Toni's father (ex-husband)?

Also, Toni (daughter) has a substantial bank account. Do the courts, foster homes, nursing home, etc. have the right to deplete Toni's account?

Thank you very much.

 

[BlondiePB]

The court can waive all fees until the assests of the ward are determined. Should the ward have his/her own assests that can pay for the fees, the legal guardian must pay them from the wards assests. If the ward does not have assests to pay for the fees, the fees will be permanently waived. As long as Toni's accounts are held solely in her name, no one can touch her money unless there is absolute, verifiable proof that Toni owes money to her mother. The guardian is responsible for applying for any benefits with which the ward is entitled to receive. Toni can refuse to be POA. A minor cannot sign legal contracts.

 

[gtcpl2]

Thank you very very much for your help.