Mon - Fri 8:30am-5:00pm604-638-3302 604-608-5482 Contact us for a free consultation

B.C. Granddaughter must return Grandfather’s money after dementia diagnosis

Abusing Power of Attorney designation – B.C. Granddaughter must return Grandfather’s money after dementia diagnosis

This was a complex legal case involving Claude Albert Pelletier, an 86-year-old man diagnosed with dementia, who lost his autonomy, his marriage, and over $800,000 due to the actions of his granddaughter, Brittany Adcock, who held power of attorney for him. After fighting to prove his mental capacity and establishing that his dementia symptoms stemmed from medication side effects, Claude successfully sued his granddaughter Brittany and won his case in a January 10, 2025 B.C. Supreme Court ruling.

The ruling highlighted the breakdown of Claude’s 60-year marriage to his wife Dora Pelletier, as financial decisions made by Dora and Brittany were found to benefit them rather than Claude. Justice Jennifer Whately criticized Brittany for providing misleading information to doctors, which contributed to Claude’s dementia diagnosis and subsequent loss of control over his finances.

While holding power of attorney for her grandfather Claude, Brittany used her grandfather’s money for her own personal benefit. Ultimately, Brittany was ordered to pay Claude $437,535.00, which did not fully restore his prior financial status, while the family unit suffered irreparable damage, leaving his wife Dora in assisted living and financially destitute. The justice also finalized Claude and Dora’s divorce. The case underscores the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in power of attorney situations, especially regarding vulnerable individuals.

THE FULL DECISION CAN BE FOUND HERE:

Pelletier v. Pelletier, 2025 BCSC 43

https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/25/00/2025BCSC0043cor1.htm

Contact lawyer Ronald Kumar at 604-638-3302 for free legal advice, or visit www.willdisputes.ca