Gofundme Fund Mismanagement Concerns

Summary

Rebeccas actions in managing the GoFundMe funds may violate both the platforms terms and Maryland law. The GoFundMe terms require consent from guardians for minors and the beneficiarys consent for adults. Maryland law, including the Maryland Trust Act, mandates that trusts be administered for the beneficiaries benefit. The adult child, as the next of kin and personal representative, has rights over funeral arrangements and estate matters. Legal grounds exist for the adult child and guardians to claim the funds. Consulting a Maryland attorney specializing in trust and estate law is advisable to enforce these rights and address potential violations.

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Primarily to release of funds in the trust, secondarily reimbursement of funds inappropriately listed as funeral funds.
It seems like the adult child and guardians have a strong case to claim the funds. Here are some relevant points under Maryland law:
- Maryland Trust Act: Trusts must be administered in accordance with the terms of the trust and for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- Funeral arrangements: Maryland law generally allows the next of kin (personal representative) to oversee funeral arrangements and expenses.
To proceed, consider consulting an attorney specializing in trust and estate law to enforce these rights. Would you like information on finding an attorney in Maryland?
Was it legal for Rebecca to place the donated money for the adult child into a trust fund?
It appears that Rebecca may have acted against the terms stated in the GoFundMe website and Maryland law:
- Maryland Trust Act: Trusts must be administered for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- Next of Kin Rights: The next of kin (adult child) generally has authority over funeral arrangements and expenses.
Rebecca's actions might not comply with these laws, suggesting potential legal grounds for the adult child and guardians to claim the funds.
Would you like information on finding an attorney in Maryland to further assist you?
Can you be specific of which part of the terms of service may have been violated?
To address the specifics of the GoFundMe terms of service that may have been violated:
- Consent Requirement: Fundraisers for minors require the consent of the guardians.
- Fund Allocation: Funds intended for minors must be transferred into a trust for their benefit.
Rebecca's actions of not obtaining consent from the guardians or adult child and placing another family member as the trust administrator potentially violate these terms.
Would you like detailed information on finding an attorney in Maryland?
But what about the adult child whose funds were placed in a trust is the grounds for the adult child to claim the money?
The adult child has strong grounds to claim the funds based on the following points:
- Maryland Trust Act: The trust must be administered for the benefit of the beneficiaries, which includes the adult child.
- Next of Kin Rights: The adult child, as the next of kin, generally has authority over the estate and funeral arrangements.
- GoFundMe Terms of Service: Consent was required but not obtained.
Would you like help finding an attorney in Maryland to assist with this case?
Does GoFundMe require consent to raise money on behalf of an adult?
Yes, GoFundMe requires consent to raise money on behalf of an adult. According to GoFundMe's terms of service:
- Fundraisers must have the consent of the beneficiary if the funds are intended for a specific person.
- Misrepresentation or unauthorized fundraisers violate their terms.
Would you like assistance finding an attorney in Maryland to discuss this further?