How to protect family RESPs from being raided

A grandparent funding a family RESP for twin grandsons, with the children's father as the account's subscriber, worries about a real vulnerability: whoever controls the plan can withdraw from it, and the person putting in the money may not be the one calling the shots. This piece works through how RESP ownership actually functions, why the subscriber holds the authority over contributions and withdrawals, and what a generous grandparent can do to keep the funds aimed at the grandchildren's education rather than diverted elsewhere. It looks at the structures and arrangements that can offer some protection and the trade-offs each one carries. It is most relevant to grandparents and other relatives who want to help with education costs but are not the legal owner of the plan, and who want their intentions to hold up regardless of family circumstances or how relationships may change over time.