Follow
Share

My mom wanted me as a signer to help look after her finances, which I was willing to do. But she has allowed another sibling (who lives with her) complete access to her debit card. I have begged to be taken off for liability reasons, but my mother refuses and the bank tells me they cannot remove me without her signature. What can I do?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I am so glad that it worked out. I think I would still ask Sister what she thinks she's doing. Your mother's money has to last her. And if your mother ever needs to apply for Medicaid, unqualified withdrawals can lead to penalties that will delay your mother's access to help. Even when our parents have a little money, we have to keep our eye toward Medicaid requirements. A good sum of money vanishes very quickly if someone has to go into a nursing home.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Thanks for the information, everyone! I did go to the bank today and found out an interesting piece of information that helped me and my help others. The rules have changed recently (sometime in the past few months), at least with our bank. "Signers" are no longer held hostage. The bank manager was able to authorize removing me from the account by documenting two pieces of identification from me (just to prove I am who I'm supposed to be).

To answer one question, I did find out through this process that I was a co-owner on the account. It's moot at this point, however, as I no longer have access to it.

As for the sister, it's not that she takes money out directly, it's also that she incurs debt in my mother's name. Since she does it with mother's blessing, it simply became too scary for me to risk the liability of creditors that I may or may not even know about.

Thank you all again for your help!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

zebra, you need to find out for sure if it is a joint account with you or co-owner or if you are just one who can sign checks. If you are just a signer you don't have any legal liability for the account. You can't control what your mother allows your sister to do. I do think I would ask Sister what she is doing if she takes out a lot of money.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Also, I know I am liable for overdraws, but that is sort of my point. Since my sibling has permission to use the card, how can I get the bank to take me off if my mother won't do it?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I don't believe that I am a co-owner, just a signer. Even if I was a co-owner, I would hesitate to do that as it would mess up her social security deposits. My biggest concerns, assuming I am just a co-signer, is liability for overdraws, claims against the account for medical bills, and what will happen with the mortgage when my mom passes away. I admit I didn't research this as I should have when I agreed to be a signer on the account, so any advice is extremely appreciated.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Could you explain a bit more about what your liability would be if it is your sibling using the debit card. Are you a co-owner of the account and not just a signer? If you are a co-owner, you can close the account and have your mother open another one in her name alone.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter