Elder financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an aging adult’s money, property, or assets. It happens when someone steals from a senior or tricks them into giving away their wealth. Families must recognize these signs early to prevent total financial ruin for their loved ones.
Los Angeles sits along the Pacific Coast and serves as a major hub for global entertainment. It is the most populous city in the region and features a famous Mediterranean climate. Contacting a Los Angeles elder financial abuse attorney provides a way for victims to reclaim their stolen inheritance.
Acting quickly helps stop a predator from draining bank accounts. Lawsuits can freeze assets before they disappear forever. Courts offer several paths to help families fix these situations.
What Legal Actions Can Families Take?
A civil lawsuit lets you take the person who stole the money to court. You can ask for the money back plus extra for the pain they caused. This puts the power back in your hands instead of the abuser’s.
Predators often pressure seniors to change their wills or deeds. This is called undue influence and can be overturned in a court of law. A judge can set things right by going back to the original plans.
Conservatorship
A conservatorship is a legal relationship where a judge appoints a person to care for another adult. This person manages the senior’s finances and pays their bills. It prevents the senior from being targeted by new scams or greedy relatives.
Establishing this bond requires proving the senior can no longer manage their own affairs. It is a serious step but offers a high level of protection. Many families use this to stop the bleeding of a dwindling estate.
Protections Under State Law
Many states passed laws increasing penalties for stealing from the elderly. A 2022 study by the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that older adults lost over $3 billion to fraud. These statistics show that the problem is widespread and growing every year.
Reporting the abuse to Adult Protective Services starts an official record of the crime. This agency investigates the claims and can work with police. It adds a layer of government oversight to the family’s legal battle.
Restraining Orders
A court can issue restraining orders to keep suspected abusers away. This prevents the person from visiting the home or calling the victim. It stops the emotional manipulation that makes financial theft possible.
Data from the National Center on Elder Abuse indicates perpetrators are often close friends or family. These orders provide the physical space needed for the senior to recover. Safety is the first priority in any abuse case.
Key Takeaways
- Civil lawsuits help you get back money that someone took from a senior.
- A conservatorship puts a trusted person in charge of all financial choices.
- Restraining orders keep thieves away so they cannot keep tricking your parents.
- Adult Protective Services can help investigate claims of theft and money
- Checking bank statements every month helps you find fraud before it grows.
Protecting a senior’s savings is a duty that requires quick thinking and legal action. You can protect your family heritage today. Your loved one deserves to feel safe and secure always today right now.
