Elder Financial Abuse Attorney Serving Los Angeles & Orange County

Elder financial abuse can occur when someone wrongfully takes, obtains, retains, or uses an older person’s money, property, or other assets. It may involve fraud, theft, undue influence, improper transfers, misuse of authority, or other forms of financial exploitation.

Warning signs may include unexplained withdrawals, unusual bank transactions, sudden changes to estate planning documents, missing property, unpaid bills despite adequate resources, newly added account holders, unexpected transfers of real estate, or an elder becoming unusually isolated from family and trusted friends.

Financial exploitation can involve many different people, including relatives, caregivers, acquaintances, fiduciaries, agents acting under a power of attorney, or others who have gained access to an elder or their finances. In some cases, the person responsible is someone the elder trusted.

Potentially. A power of attorney may give an agent substantial authority over another person’s finances. Using that authority for unauthorized personal benefit, transferring assets improperly, or acting contrary to the elder’s interests may result in legal claims depending on the circumstances.

A change by itself does not establish abuse. However, sudden or unexpected changes to a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or other estate planning document can raise concerns when accompanied by isolation, declining capacity, coercion, or unusual involvement by someone who benefits from the change.

Undue influence generally involves excessive persuasion that overcomes an individual’s free will and results in an unfair outcome. It can become an important issue when an elder is vulnerable or dependent upon someone who subsequently receives substantial financial benefits, property, or inheritance.

Document your concerns and preserve relevant financial records, communications, estate planning documents, and information about suspicious transactions when legally available to you. Because assets can sometimes be transferred or depleted quickly, seeking appropriate legal guidance promptly can be important.

Depending on the circumstances, legal remedies may be available to recover improperly transferred money or property, reverse certain transactions, obtain damages, or pursue other court-ordered relief. Available remedies depend on the evidence, parties involved, and nature of the alleged abuse.

Yes. Allegations can involve individuals who occupy positions of trust or have access to an elder’s property. Trustees and other fiduciaries may also have additional legal duties, and violations of those duties can potentially give rise to separate claims.

Consider seeking legal guidance when you notice suspicious financial transactions, unexplained changes to estate documents, misuse of an elder’s property, questionable actions by a fiduciary or caregiver, or other signs of possible exploitation. Acting promptly can be important for preserving evidence and determining whether steps can be taken to protect remaining assets or recover property.