Elder Abuse?

[scootersmom]

I have three older half siblings who have abandoned our family for years (since my dad died and they did not get everything---duh!!!!). My mother is getting elderly (81). A lot of shenanigans have occurred over the years, but the latest one really disturbs me. One of the sisters wrote my mother a very defamatory letter, mostly attacking my father who is deceased. The allegations were absolutely not fit to put on the printed page. My dad was a very good guy, and I know that since he is dead, this can't be classified as slander, but it really bothers me. This particular sister always waits for a low moment (my mom just broke her hip) to start these activities. Can you advise? Mom lives in Ohio.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Can you please be more specific with the type of "advice" you're looking to receive ?

IAAL

 

[scootersmom]

Is there anything that can be done legally to stop this?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You might inform Mom not to open mail that comes from the half-sister.

Or, you can tell Mom that you are re-routing her mail to come directly to you, by putting in a "change of address" with the Post Office, and then you can "filter out" the mail and forward everything else to Mom yourself to a P.O. Box that you're going to rent for her.

However, there's nothing you can do to stop someone from writing and sending letters. The U.S. Supreme Court has already dealt with this issue, by saying that the trashcan is only a few feet from the mailbox, and imposes no damage or hardship.

IAAL