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Losing a loved one is never easy, and unfortunately, inheritance issues often add more stress to an already emotional time. In many families, disputes arise when inheritance greedy siblings try to take more than what’s rightfully theirs—whether through manipulation, deception, or outright theft.

Whether a sibling is stealing from the estate, misusing their authority, or influencing legal decisions unfairly, it's essential to know your rights and how to respond. This guide breaks down common inheritance issues caused by siblings and explains how to protect your inheritance from siblings who are acting in bad faith.

1. When a Sibling Influences a Parent to Transfer Assets Early

Some siblings act before a parent even passes away—convincing them to transfer property or assets into their name. This often happens when one sibling is physically closer to the parent or acts as their caregiver, using that closeness to sway decisions.

Your Legal Options

If you believe a sibling used undue influence to secure early property transfers, you can challenge these actions in court—but only after the parent’s death. You’ll need to show:

• That the sibling had a reason to manipulate the parent

• They had the opportunity to exert influence

• The parent was vulnerable or reliant on that sibling

Even if the manipulation happened behind closed doors, medical records, witness statements, and a sudden change in asset ownership can all help support your claim.

2. Power of Attorney Abuse: A Sibling Acting in Self-Interest

When a parent gives a sibling power of attorney, it comes with the legal responsibility to act in the parent’s best interest. Sadly, some individuals exploit this power, transferring assets to themselves or making financial decisions that serve their own interests—not the parent’s.

What You Can Do

If you suspect misuse of power of attorney, especially for self-dealing, it’s important to act quickly. A qualified estate attorney can help challenge these transfers and potentially reverse them in court.

3. Will Changes Caused by Manipulation

One of the most upsetting situations occurs when a sibling convinces a parent to change their will, cutting other family members out or increasing their own share. These sudden changes are often made when the parent is ill, isolated, or mentally compromised.

Contesting a Will

You have the right to contest a will if you believe it was created or changed due to undue influence. If the court agrees, the will may be invalidated, and the estate could be distributed under Florida’s intestate laws, which generally split assets equally among children.

4. Sibling Stealing from the Estate Before Probate

If valuable items such as jewelry, art, or cash go missing after a parent’s passing, a sibling may be stealing from the estate before the legal process begins. This often happens before the official inventory is recorded.

Legal Steps to Recover Property

In these cases, the estate’s personal representative can file a motion for discovery and recovery. If the missing assets are found in the sibling’s possession, the court can require them to return the property or pay for its value.

5. Estate Funds Misused by the Personal Representative

The person chosen to manage the estate—often a sibling—has a fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries. If that sibling is using estate funds for personal expenses, making unfair sales, or failing to manage assets properly, they can be held legally accountable.

What You Can Do

You can petition the court to:

• Remove the sibling from their position

• Surcharge them to repay any misused funds

• Prevent improper asset sales through a restraining order

With the right legal support, you can hold them responsible and ensure the estate is handled properly.

How to Protect Your Inheritance from Siblings

If you're facing these challenges, here are steps to help protect your inheritance from siblings acting dishonestly:

• Know your rights as a beneficiary under Florida probate law

• Review the estate plan and track any recent changes to legal documents

• Keep records of suspicious actions or asset transfers

• Act quickly—delay can reduce your legal options

• Hire an estate attorney with experience in probate litigation

Let Us Help You Restore Fairness

At the Law Offices of Mary E. King, we understand how complicated and emotional family inheritance disputes can be. Whether you're dealing with inheritance greedy siblings, suspect a sibling is stealing from the estate, or just want to ensure a fair process, our team is here to help.

With decades of experience in estate planning and probate law, we fight for what’s fair—protecting your loved one’s wishes and your rightful share.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your inheritance.