Israeli Court Cancels Son’s Power of Attorney Over Elderly Mother, Appoints External Guardian

The Family Court in Safed ruled on guardianship issues concerning an 81-year-old woman suffering from dementia. In December, the court revoked a continuing power of attorney granted to her son due to suspicions of financial abuse. The woman, a former teacher who signed the power of attorney in 2019 when her cognitive decline began, has been residing in a nursing home’s dementia ward for about four years.

Following the revocation, the court appointed the Israeli Guardianship Center as her temporary guardian. The woman’s daughter requested to be appointed as guardian to manage her mother’s medical and financial affairs, aiming to reduce aggressive medical treatments. However, social workers and the general guardian’s representative recommended making the Guardianship Center’s appointment permanent, a position supported by the son despite allegations of near-criminal financial conduct.

Judge Avivit Nahmias ruled that due to the woman’s dementia and inability to manage her own affairs, a guardian must be appointed. She accepted the professionals’ recommendation to make the Guardianship Center the permanent guardian, rejecting the daughter’s request based on her infrequent visits and the ongoing family conflict. The judge emphasized the need for an impartial external guardian given the siblings’ poor communication and disputes.

As a result, none of the three children will serve as the woman’s guardian, either by court appointment or power of attorney. The Guardianship Center will oversee all her medical, personal, and financial matters permanently. The decision highlights the court’s priority to protect vulnerable elderly individuals from potential family conflicts and abuse.