How many people fall out with siblings over the affairs of an elderly relative or their estate? A daughter thinks their mother needs residential care but her sister disagrees. Or a father gives power of attorney to a son but his siblings don’t trust him. The potential for conflict is endless. I saw countless bitter family fights during my years on the NSW Guardianship Tribunal, as it then was. Just when they needed each other more than ever, differences among brothers and sisters tore families apart. Sadly, they often started with a misunderstanding and could have been prevented. Many of the elderly people we saw at the tribunal had disabilities like dementia or had suffered severe strokes. They were not able to make important decisions about their own lives and families were unable to agree. In one case, a granddaughter – let’s call her Kate - moved in with her much loved grandma, Mary (not her real name). Mary was struggling alone and was delighted with her granddau...
That little lad, Fred, scurried up the gangway with baby brother, Nico, red-faced and panting behind. Fred’s tiny, joyous person provided such sharp contrast to the sullen, disorderly convicts and brutish soldiers, I laughed aloud! Their father, Mr G., hurried after his sons, while Mrs G. and their little girls, stepped carefully in his wake. We were all free passengers on the Francis and Eliza when she sailed from England in 1814. I looked forward to their company in the months ahead. Cork, Ireland After many delays, we set sail but soon encountered wild weather and sea sickness. “At least we’re underway”, we sighed, as we clung to ropes strung across the deck. Not for long, we weren't. We reached Cork and were delayed for four months! Provisioning was slowed by constant disputes and mutinies among the soldiers and crew and female convicts were brought in small groups from all over Ireland. We watched despondently as the wretched women boarded. “What we...