- Trust disputes can arise after the death of a relative, and it is essential to seek advice from a trust attorney.
- Power of attorney documents can cause conflict if the agent is accused of misusing their power.
- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives may step in to care for children if the parent is unable to do so.
- Loans and debts between family members can turn into legal disputes if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
- Property disputes can occur between extended family members due to boundary issues, adverse possession, easement conflicts, etc.
Family is important, and it is common to have extended family members close to you. Extended family members often play a vital role in people’s lives, from cousins to aunts and uncles to grandparents.
Unfortunately, there are times when the relationship between extended family members can become complicated, leading to legal issues. In this blog, you will learn about a few common legal problems you might encounter with your extended family members.
Trust Disputes
When a person passes away, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise between the family members who are left behind regarding how the deceased’s assets and property should be divided.
Trust disputes can become complicated when multiple extended family members are involved since they may have conflicting interests. It is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced trust attorney if you find yourself in this situation so that you can resolve the dispute in a fair and legal manner.
A good trust attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as how to avoid potential disputes in the future. They can also help you fight for your fair share of the inheritance if you feel that you have been unfairly treated.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney document grants someone the power to make decisions and act on your behalf if you cannot do so for yourself. Sometimes, family members will give power of attorney to an extended family member. Unfortunately, this can lead to disputes if the agent is accused of misusing their power or making decisions contrary to the grantor’s wishes.
Care of Children
Another common legal issue involving extended family members is the care of children. This could happen when a parent cannot care for their children due to death, incapacitation, illness, or other reasons. In these situations, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives may step in to care for the children. However, this can lead to conflicts over custody or responsibility.
Loans and Debts
Sometimes, family members will loan money to each other or co-sign a loan agreement. Unfortunately, these situations can lead to legal disputes if the borrower is unable or unwilling to repay the loan. It is essential to have a written agreement that specifies the terms of the loan and repayment terms.
Property Disputes
Disputes over property ownership can also arise between extended family members. This is caused by a variety of issues and can lead to a few different types of property disputes. Here are the four most common ones you need to know about:
Boundary Disputes
Boundary disputes are a dispute over the legal boundary lines between two properties. Boundary disputes can be challenging to resolve as they often involve complex legal issues.
Adverse Possession Disputes
These disputes arise when one person claims that they have a right to ownership of the property because they have been using it for a certain period of time without the owner’s permission. This type of dispute is often resolved in court and can involve multiple extended family members.
Easement Disputes
An easement dispute occurs when two people have conflicting rights to use the same property. This could be due to the presence of a public utility on private land, for example. A good lawyer can help resolve this type of dispute and help all parties involved understand their rights and responsibilities.
Partition Disputes
Partition disputes occur when two or more people own a piece of property and disagree on how the land should be divided. This type of dispute often requires the help of an experienced lawyer to ensure that all parties involved understand their rights and responsibilities.
By being aware of the different types of property disputes you might face with your extended family members, you can be better prepared if such a conflict arises.
Extended family relationships can be complicated and may lead to legal issues. It is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with extended family members, as well as how best to resolve conflicts if they arise. If a dispute does occur between you and an extended family member, always seek professional advice from an experienced lawyer so that all parties involved understand their rights and obligations under the law.
