Hi Rose,

I'm not your brother or have your brother's problems, but I have cut off family. Speaking from that point of view, I would prefer a court appointed treatment guardian rather than a family member that I've purposely cut ties with. It's actually a little insane to me that you, having no relationship with him other than blood, could legally sign documents for him. I don't actually think you can sign documents for him. Typically the litmus is that it must be a "close" family member or authorized legal representative.

Next of kin laws scare me to death. That's why I have an advanced directive and selected people who can consent for me as well as what to do in a variety of situations.

Don't feel bad not getting involved. And don't let them bully you into getting involved into someone's life, especially someone who sounds like they have not treated you well.