An elder financial abuse attorney can help a victim or their family members recover monetary compensation from perpetrators of financial exploitation. This compensation can come from criminal or civil legal action. Unexplained activity in an older person’s accounts should be a red flag. Bank and credit card statements that stop showing up at their home or gifts from “friends” that are questioned can all be signs of abuse.
Expertise
An elder financial abuse attorney Portland, OR, is equipped to help you stop such exploitation. They may be able to recover your lost money, property, and other assets, as well as attorney’s fees and punitive damages. Elder financial exploitation can occur in all classes, from the childless woman living alone in a government-subsidized studio apartment to an opulent Park Avenue home. Unfortunately, perpetrators are often close family members or known acquaintances. They may take advantage of their positions of trust and power over the elderly victim to steal, rob, or deplete her assets. The best way to prevent elder financial exploitation is to regularly consult with an independent third party, such as an attorney experienced in elder law matters.
Moreover, discussing your finances with friends and family would be best. You should also simplify your accounts and authorize trusted individuals to review them quarterly. Additionally, you should report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Representation for Your Loved One
If your elderly loved one has a power of attorney, you can monitor their finances to ensure that bills are paid and assets aren’t pocketed. However, if they don’t have such a document or they do not give you view-only access to their bank accounts, it can be difficult to identify problematic disbursements. You should make it a point to have regular conversations with your loved ones about their financial worlds. By having a dialogue, you may be able to pick up on any irregularities and identify warning signs of abuse. It’s also a good idea to contact local law enforcement and the elder’s financial institution as soon as you suspect any financial abuse. They may be able to help you recover any money that has been stolen. A lawyer can help you navigate these processes and explain your options. They can also recommend the best course of action based on your situation.
Legal Advice
In many cases, the perpetrator of elder financial abuse is a trusted family member or friend. In fact, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members are responsible for a large portion of financial abuse claims. These people will ingratiate themselves with the victim by helping them or spending time together, taking advantage of their closeness to the older adult. For example, a new helper who moves into an elderly relative’s home under the guise of caring for her may convince the older woman to name her sole beneficiary on her life insurance policy or joint owner on a bank account. Recognizing warning signs of exploitation and paying attention to changes in an elder’s behavior or spending patterns is essential. An excellent elder financial abuse attorney can help. They will be familiar with the county where your loved one lives and have experience prosecuting senior abuse claims in their superior or probate court.
Experience
Elders who live alone are more susceptible to theft and fraud. Seniors ensconced in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often victims of financial scams. If you suspect your elderly loved one is the victim of financial exploitation, you must take immediate action to report the abuse and recoup their losses. An experienced attorney can guide you in determining what evidence you need to present. This may include bank statements, copies of processed checks, and other documents. The attorney can also help you determine whether or not a crime was committed. This is crucial because it must be proved that the alleged perpetrator took, secreted, appropriated, or obtained any real property or personal property belonging to an elder or dependent adult without their consent. Close relatives, friends, and caregiving staff take advantage of many older adults. They are often too ashamed or misguidedly loyal to report their abusers.