Elder Law/Financial Abuse
At Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick, LLP, our lawyers are committed to protecting the elderly from all forms of elder abuse, including financial elder abuse as well as probate and trust litigation arising out of financial elder abuse. We handle cases in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and throughout the Inland Empire Region of Southern California, actively advocating for the rights of California's senior citizens.
Understanding Financial Elder Abuse
A growing problem in California and throughout the country, financial elder abuse is robbing our elderly population of their hard earned savings at an alarming rate. Our parents and grandparents have worked hard to save for retirement, and should be able to enjoy themselves during their golden years. As they age, however, the risk that they will be taken advantage of by strangers and fiduciary advisors, family members, and caregivers increases, particularly in instances where they develop Alzheimer's or dementia, and the results can be devastating.
California law has been expanding protections for the finances of our senior citizens by broadening the definition of financial abuse and making it easier for victims to bring lawsuits and prove their case. Under California law, financial elder abuse involves taking, appropriating or retaining the real or personal property of an elder for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. California law also requires banks and other financial institutions to report suspicious conduct which may constitute financial elder abuse since bank personnel and financial brokers are often in the best position to notice the signs of financial elder abuse.
Financial elder abuse may be committed by strangers, personal or financial advisors, caregivers or family members. Examples of financial elder abuse include:
- Writing false checks to withdraw money from elders' accounts
- Forging a signature in order to obtain title to an elder's property
- Using undue influence to coerce elders into giving away their money
- Using undue influence to coerce elders into changing their will or changing the beneficiaries listed on trust and life insurance documents
Protecting Senior Citizens from Financial Elder Abuse
If you are concerned that a senior family member is being taken advantage of financially, we can help you identify abuse, prevent further abuse, and bring a lawsuit to recover damages. For advice and representation in a financial elder abuse matter, contact Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick, LLP for a consultation with one of our experienced elder abuse lawyers.