Elder Exploitation & Abuse
Protecting Victims of Elder Exploitation and Abuse
At TateCollins Attorneys, we provide comprehensive legal representation for victims of elder exploitation, financial abuse, and neglect. Our attorneys understand the complex emotional and financial consequences that arise when vulnerable individuals are taken advantage of by those they trust. We are committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and financial security of seniors through proactive legal action and compassionate advocacy.
Elder abuse takes many forms — from financial exploitation and manipulation of estate documents to physical neglect in care facilities. TateCollins Law Firm brings experience in both civil and probate litigation to recover assets, stop ongoing abuse, and hold responsible parties accountable. Our goal is to restore security, dignity, and justice for every client we represent.
Legal Action Against Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
Financial exploitation is a serious form of elder abuse where trusted individuals – often family members or caregivers – take advantage of elderly persons for financial gain. This abuse can take many forms, including unauthorized access to bank accounts, misuse of credit cards or ATM cards, theft of Social Security benefits, and pressure to modify legal documents like wills.
Warning signs include unusual bank activity, missing financial statements, unpaid bills despite adequate resources, and sudden changes in spending patterns. If you suspect financial exploitation, it’s crucial to contact law enforcement, adult protective services, and seek legal counsel promptly.
Estate Planning Interference and Undue Influence
Estate planning interference occurs when someone manipulates an elderly person to alter their estate documents for personal gain. These bad actors often exploit moments of vulnerability or cognitive decline to change property deeds, modify beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance policies, or create new wills and trusts.
They may pressure the elderly person to transfer assets, add joint owners to accounts, or revise existing estate plans – often isolating them from other family members during this process. This interference can devastate intended heirs and create lasting family conflict.
Recognizing and addressing these manipulative actions early is crucial to protect elderly individuals’ true wishes.
Asset Freezes & False Claims
Asset freezes are powerful legal tools used to protect an elderly person’s resources during litigation involving financial exploitation. Through emergency court orders, these freezes can immediately block access to bank accounts, investment portfolios, real estate transactions, and other assets to prevent further misuse or transfers. This protective measure helps preserve funds while legal proceedings determine the extent of exploitation and seek recovery. Asset freezes can also prevent the sale of property, stop changes to beneficiary designations, and halt modifications to estate planning documents until the court resolves the matter.
Anyone accused of elder exploitation deserves a thorough defense, as misunderstandings about financial arrangements or estate planning changes can sometimes lead to unfounded allegations. Family dynamics, miscommunications about gifts or loans, and disagreements over legitimate financial decisions may be misinterpreted as exploitation.
Abuse and Neglect in Care Facilities
We fight for elders abused or neglected in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These facilities must protect residents from physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and exploitation. Warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden personality changes, poor hygiene, rapid weight changes, and bedsores.
While nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care, assisted living facilities offer more limited support with daily activities, medications, and meals. If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in either setting, our experienced team will help hold these facilities accountable.
Contact TateCollins Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you suspect elder exploitation or abuse, act now. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help protect your loved one’s safety and financial future.