I am very sorry to hear about your Aunt and you current problem with finances.

Our family lawyer told us many years ago to be sure to have Power of Attorney and Power of Health for our Mother. Fortunately for us she was still able to sign her name at that point (She was an Altzheimer's patient). He told us, as you have been told, that if someone cannot sign their name, you have to go to the courts to get guardianship. I am sure your lawyer can tell you what the steps are.

In my case I was only 46 when I had my stroke, so no one had thought a Power of Attorney necessary. My family had the problem you do of not being able to get to my assets to pay bills. My sister paid my bills from our joint checking account we have for business purposes. Fortunately there was enough to cover for a few months until the legalities could be dealt with.

Once I was conscious of what was happening, the hospital suggested that I make and X on Power of Attorney forms which they were willing to witness. They witnessed because they could tell I knew enough to know what I was doing. I just could not sign my name. That way my sister could get to my bank accounts.

BTW, we are now both signers on each others accounts. That way this problem will not arise again for either of us.

Good luck to you.