Taiwanese caregiver, 68, accused of marrying client, 102, to acquire S$8 million in assets

A 68-year-old caregiver in Taiwan is accused of registering a marriage with the 102-year-old man she had been caring for, allegedly without his family's knowledge.

Caregiver looked after the man for 17 years

8world reported that the man's family discovered the marriage after noticing a new name listed under the "spouse" section of the man's identification card.

The name apparently belonged to his caregiver, surnamed Lai, who had been looking after him for 17 years.

However, newer reports suggest that the period could be as long for 27-30 years.

According to local news outlet ETtoday, the family alleged that Lai registered the marriage on Jan. 5 without informing them, and accused her of doing so to gain access to the man’s assets.

The family said they had planned to visit the man on Jan. 8, but were shocked to discover that he had already registered his marriage three days earlier.

They also alleged that Lai restricted the man's contact with his family and placed him under de facto house arrest, claiming that even police officers were unable to intervene when the family sought to visit him.

In mid-January 2026, the family filed a coercion complaint against Lai, questioning whether the man was being influenced by her.

Family tried to get their father back

An altercation later broke out at a hospital on the afternoon of Feb. 3, when Lai took the man out for a medical appointment, ETtoday reported.

The man's three sons, three daughters-in-law and four grandsons were waiting at the hospital entrance, where they attempted to wheel him into a car on his wheelchair and drive away.

A scuffle ensued as both sides fought over the man, drawing police to the scene.

Lai was reportedly injured during the confrontation and taken to a hospital.

The family later succeeded in taking the man home.

Lai reportedly denied all the allegations and maintained that the the marriage was legal. She has since filed a countersuit against the family.

Caregiver allegedly acquired over S$8 million in assets

8world reported that the man, surnamed Wang, worked as a land clerk in his youth and accumulated substantial assets.

Media reports estimate the total value of his land and real estate holdings to be up to NT$780 million (about S$31.4 million).

His children had reportedly applied for a guardianship declaration in court in November 2025, but discovered his marriage to Lai before a ruling was issued.

The family suspected that Lai subsequently acquired seven properties and insurance policies worth about NT$80 million (about S$3.2 million), bringing the total to over NT$200 million (about S$8.04 million).

The man’s son alleged that Lai was after his father's money, citing a doctor’s certificate stating that his father’s cognitive abilities had significantly deteriorated and that he was unable to express himself clearly.

The family said they would continue to pursue legal action to protect their rights.

A lawyer not involved in the case told local media that family members could gather medical evidence of the man’s mental condition and apply to the court to annul or revoke the marriage.

The Taipei City Zhongshan District Household Registration Office later said that when the man registered the marriage in person, he was able to answer relevant questions and met legal requirements, which was why officials accepted the registration.

Lai has also filed a lawsuit against the family for public insult and applied for a protection order.

Authorities said any dispute over the validity of the marriage will ultimately be determined by the courts.

Top photo from ETtoday