Sorcha, I've just thought of something. My local major market AM radio station has a free legal advice show on weekends, and the lawyer who runs it, Len Tillem, specializes in elder law. If you're serious about knowing what your legal obligations are, you could do worse than to call in -- the phone number is toll-free nationwide I believe.

The radio feed is available online at www.kgoam810.com, and the show is broadcast from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, Pacific time. I think they archive too, but only for 24 hours after the show airs. Give it a listen and see what you think.

Also, Mr. Tillem claims to answer ALL listener e-mails that concern elder abuse, as he is a bit of a crusader about it. Hope that helps!

Claire