<prompt> Human: Im nearing the end of my college, and since I had a full scholarship for the entirety of it, I pretty much earned it for myself. Just in case I couldnt though, my father and mostly grandfather invested money, or created an account, Im not sure of the details in my name when I was a child that is valued now at nearly 160,000. Most people struggle to even pay off college debt, let alone save up that much money, and I truly feel that Im in a good position to take that money and go out into the world to do with it what I need, to be the person I want. However last week, I got the impression my Dads habit of living outside of his means and spending above his limit is finally starting to catch up with him, because now hes asking me to go sign something so he can use that money to help pay off my expenses, though that alone sounds vague. If hes claiming me as a dependent, why should I need to give him back money that was intended for my future betterment, so he can avoid the consequences of living an exorbitant lifestyle now? I think he mentioned whatever I needed to sign would give him power of attorney, but that doesnt sound right?EDIT - Money is currently invested in several index funds in my name, iircAssistant: If I were you I would inquire what expenses those are. Its awesome you got the scholarship ride, if he wants money back that was gifted to you when you were a child and subsequently grew than tough luck.How old are you and do you know where the account is held? As others have said, dont sign anything over. If hes asking you, its most likely because the termination age has been reached andor hes not the custodian and doesnt have access to that account. Keep it that way.Human: I asked him what it is he wants me to sign. Heres his response:Paperwork to take out of custodial account and power of attorney to allow me to manage as My Grandmother, His Mother intended. But u can still get money; I just need to be in loop. That is what My Grandmother, His Mother wanted. Remember, all those accounts were in my name. I just put in ur alls for allocating and preserving.The three of us are getting ready to employ a different methodology of spending money for yours and My Brothers expenses as My Grandmother, His Mother and My Grandfather, His Father intended.Names obviously replaced with brackets.Im 22 and the money is in one or more index funds.Assistant: I wonder what he means by remember, all those accounts were in my name. Its in a custodial account so either his name was on it, and therefore now the termination age has been reached and he has no access to it...or his name wasnt on it to begin with and it could still be in a custodialminor registration, or not...Either way, parents are not suppose to use the funds in the custodial account for anything other than the benefit of the minor. Parents dont always do this of course. And parents arent suppose to take back any gifts they deposited in there for their child...Ive seen a few that wants to take back the money because their child is not behaving the way they likewant. Parents also cant take money out of the account to borrow and pay back later.I would suggest, if you havent already, going in to the firm or contacting the firm that is holding the account, and taking ownership. If you dad wants to be kept in the loop you can forward statements to him so he can see that the account isnt being squandered...thats if you want to. You have no obligation to him technically.If any other family member that hes mentioned wanted it to be this way, they would have set it up in a trust with your dad as the trustee until youre of x age. It sounds like hes just trying to reason his way into the account but if you have a hunch he may end up taking the money out to support his lifestyle; dont. Human: And if Im his dependent, it should be HIS money paying for expenses. Not mine, right? I can understand if he used this money to pay for all of my living expenses and if claiming me as a dependent gave him better tax status or benefits than myself could possibly receive as an independent, but does that justify wanting PoA or is that too nearing using it for himself?Assistant: If youre his dependent, hes supporting you. If hes not, he shouldnt be claiming you. If you want to allow him that, thats your prerogative. That doesnt justify him being a POA on it, or using the funds for himself.Human: Okay, what about this. My brother has already signed the POA, hes younger than me, so I dont think he thought twice about doing it. How long could that last and whats the worst that can happen? Could my Dad theoretically spend all his money?Assistant: The power of attorney lasts until its cancelled in writing. Your father is probably going to spend your brothers 160,000.You can tell your dad that you will keep him in the loop by telling him about the balance statements, but that youre an adult and its legally your money, and you will not sign any power of attorney, period.Human: Thats what Im thinking. I really hope he didnt have me sign anything in high school right after I turned 18 that I wouldnt remember.  <response>: Talk with a lawyer now. The fact hes asking you to sign something today says he does not have it. Ask lawyer if theres anything that can be done to protect you from here on out. 