Can a brokerage control Mom's money?

It would be unusual for a brokerage firm to insist on a guardianship on its own volition, particularly if there is a legally effective power of attorney for finances that See also:
Two months after my father-in-law's passing, my mother-in-law with dementia no longer recognizes my wife. What could have triggered this?

See all 119 questions about Conservatorship/Guardianship empowers you and your brother to act as agents on your mother’s behalf.

Take another look at that document and be sure to read the fine print. Some powers of attorney, for example, only take effect after a doctor or sometimes two, have certified in writing that a person is no longer able to act on his or her own behalf.

If the power of attorney that you and your brother hold for your mom is in order, take or send a copy to the brokerage firm and make someone there explain what else it requires. Some firms might require you to complete another form or two signifying that you and your brother are actually empowered to deal with the account—all in the name of protecting against fraud or deception.

Finally, you might want to do a bit more delving into the possibility of a guardianship, especially if you feel that may pave the way to more harmonious dealing between the siblings.

Guardianships or conservatorships are not always expensive and not always time-consuming, particularly if you live in a spot where the court has a good self-help support system or offers expedited guardianships for targeted purposes. To find out, do a search for “probate court” and the local city or county.

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