Falsely accused of theft by siblings

[Maggie4]

I was my late mother's full time carer for over 8 years. I was left by siblings to do all of the caring, putting in 70hrs per week unpaid. Sadly my mother passed awake a couple of months ago, needless to say I'm heartbroken, she was my best friend and I was hers.
After her death my siblings started accusing me of theft. They went to mum's bank and got copies of her bank statements and cleared the account of funds. On the back of these statements, they accuse me of taking a substantial amount of mum's money. I did have my mum's bank card in the last year of her life to pay for her food, bills etc but according to family, my mother's need was such that she didn't need much money spent her. Nothing could be further from the truth. Apart from food, bills etc she required expensive personal care products as she was doubly incontinent. So out of her state pension, she was left with £49 per week left for treats etc.
After a confrontation with my aggressive brother, throwing these accusations in my face, I went to a lawyer with evidence that no theft had taken place. The solicitor wrote to my brother stating that his accusations are defamatory and false.
I have since found out he has written to all of us financial organisations and social care at the local authority stating that I stole from my mother. On the back of this, the financial organisations paid out all insurance claims and social care have refused to pay for mum's care home fees for the couple of weeks she was in a care home.
I received a letter from a solicitor my brother has hired stating that that my brother has looked through bank statements and that I have been taking mum's money for years. The brother had nothing to do with mum, rarely visited her and wouldn't have a clue what needs my mother had. I am shocked that a solicitor would even entertain this never mind put it in writing.
I am distraught at the way I'm being treated after taking care of their mother all these years, while they worked, went on holidays etc and I couldn't. Due to not being able to work, I got into debt and couldn't pay my rent or any bills. I was taken to court for eviction and have default notices for unpaid credit bills. I have also has to go to food banks at times. Yet here I am being accused of theft.
I'm at a loss on what action to take.

Did your mother leave a will? How were your siblings able to access your mothers bank accounts - were they executors of the will?

What financial organisations do you mean? And when you say the insurance paid out - who to?

Has your brother reported anything to the police?

This is devastating for you. Can you go back to your solicitor? You can forget about your relationship with your brother for now, and focus on clearing your name. Unfortunately it is not unusual behaviour at this time. It is fuelled by greed and jealousy. Even jealousy that you had a close relationship with your mother. Keep stating your innocence and get support if you can from other relatives. Stay strong!

I think you need to take your brother to court for defimation of character and slander and if in writing libel. I know it must be awful for you but don't let your brother get away with this. Go to the police if he harasses you. When you just want to grieve in peace it must be a nightmare having your brother make these accusations. Could you speak to your other siblings and explain what your Mum's needs were. If you win in court SS will have to pay for your Mum's final couple of weeks in care. Is there a will? If so insurance should be paid out as specified in your Mum's will. How heartbreaking for you. You know the truth so don't let your nasty brother drag you down.

My mother didn't have a will, so died intestate. My siblings went to the bank claiming that they were representing the family. Which of course was untrue. The bank have admitted their mistake and trying to recall the money from brother's bank account. The life insurance companies have paid one policy to the brother on the basis that my mother didn't have, according to brother, an estate. Which is also untrue. I submitted formal complaints about the two financial institutions and the matter is now with the financial ombudsman. Due to the accusations coming from all siblings, I cut off contact as I will not put up with abuse. I also applied to the court to become executor of the estate, which was granted.
My solicitor has been dealing with the estate on my behalf, as I thought I didn't need the hassle or contact from siblings.
The siblings have never been nice people, tbh I was glad to get rid of them. I would beg them over the years to help with mum but told in uncertain terms that they didn't have the time as they were busy with their work and their families.
It galling to me that these people can go over historic bank statements and accuse when they knew nothing about my mum's life and needs. My mum didn't have any income other than her state pension and attendance allowance. I couldn't even claim carer's allowance as mum couldn't afford to lose her attendance allowance. I am sick to the stomach that my sacrifice to care for my lovely mum is not only going unrecognised by siblings but being used as a tool to discredit me. My poor mother would be heartbroken.

My brother did threaten to go to the police if I didn't give him £4,000. If he has went to the police then they can't be interested as they've not been in touch.

If you have evidence that your brother is spreading lies about you then maybe speak to your solicitor about whether there's anything that could be done under harassment laws.

I'd also talk to your solicitor about whether or not your brother has committed fraud by misrepresenting himself to the bank and insurance company. It is appalling that they took his claims at face value.