Help with debt to Local Authority

Creashor

I have also just had it confirmed by the provider of the life insurance that it was not made in trust, so it will form part of the estate.

Manxman_in_exile

Creashor said:

My Father in Law was cared for by my sister in law, and it was she who was administering his affairs, although, from what I can see, this was done on a casual basis. Looking at his bank statements it is becoming apparent that she was not doing that properly (I'm being kind, here). When he died, the social worker responsible for his case, advised my wife that she felt that my sister in law was not coping or fit to continue to have that responsibility, hence why we have now been left to sort out the mess.

Some tough family conversations to be had but I believe that a solicitor will be required.

[EDIT:  I've committed the cardinal error of not reading the whole thread.  Having just done so I realise the sister in law may not be blameless.  I won't delete the following that I originally posted.  It can remain as a reminder against posting beore reading.  Apologies again to the OP]

Sorry because I obviously I don't know the details, but I can't help but think that you are being more than a little harsh on your sister in law here?

When my widowed MiL was diagnosed with dementia, only one of the siblings lived in the same town (in fact he lived only 100yds away from his mum ) and the other two both lived about 150 miles away from them, and 100 miles from each other.  Whilst the eldest and his family did most of the caring because he was the closest, the other two also did their fair share and all three of them always knew exactly how things stood with their mum.  Did neither of you notice she wasn't coping?  I'm sure she feels bad enough about it as it is without any possible recriminations.

Apologies if I'm misunderstanding here, but it just seems a bit unfair to me.

Creashor

Thanks for your concern. You are misunderstanding. 

My wife contributed greatly to the care process but it was my SiL who insisted on, and was best placed geographically, to look after their day to day affairs. We had no reason to suspect anything.

The comment from the social worker was aimed at her deteriorating state post the death of my FiL, not a judgement on loving care she had given them at the time. 

Our main concern here is to do the right thing, for all concerned.