In a hypothetical example, Leah worries that her sister Kara, who has struggled with substance abuse, may mishandle their parents’ $2.7 million estate. The article says to check for a trust; court oversight is a last resort requiring proof Kara cannot manage her affairs.
With a trust, a named trustee would follow the parents’ instructions and, if authorized, could pay Kara’s expenses—such as rent or a phone bill—or release smaller sums instead of giving her cash. If Kara recognizes her addiction, she may agree to put directly inherited money in a trust managed by a third-party fiduciary. An inheritance distributed under state intestacy laws would also leave Leah with less ability to intervene.
Guardianship or conservatorship is a last resort: if Kara is legally incapacitated and unable to manage her affairs, a court could appoint Leah or another trusted person to manage her money, but strong documentation would be needed. A lawyer quoted by Moneywise described conservatorship as slow and expensive and said it takes away rights.
