Elder Abuse Attorney
Financial Abuse and Exploitation
Southern California’s Elder Abuse Lawyer
“After many years defending corporate owners of nursing homes, I decided I would rather help protect those who cannot protect themselves… My experience makes me uniquely qualified to represent these individuals and their families at the level they deserve.”
Legal Definitions of Financial Abuse
“Financial abuse” of an elder or dependent adult occurs when a person or entity does any of the following:
- Takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both.
- Assists in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both.
- Takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains, or assists in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining, real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult by undue influence.
Financial abuse comes in many forms. Examples include:
- Care taker theft
- Life insurance agents selling unsuitable annuities simply to earn a commission
- Mortgate brokers selling reverse mortgages or refinancing existing mortgages
- A self interested son or daughter who takes control of the elder’s home and finances
Signs and Symptoms of Financial Abuse include:
- Elder can’t spend money the way he or she wants
- Elder’s bills aren’t paid on time even though he has the financial resources to pay his bills
- Elder is forced to sell or give away property, sign over power of attorney, or change title of property to someone else
- Elder is offered care in exchange for property or access to bank accounts
- Elder’s account shows activity the senior couldn’t have done, such as making an atm withdrawal when the elder is bedridden
- Elder’s financial situation suddenly changes
- Elder’s belongings are missing
- Elder’s will is suddenly changed
- Elder’s bank account shows unusual activity
- Elder makes changes to financial decisions but seems incapable of comprehending those decisions
- Elder is isolated from friends and/or family
- Elder is afraid to speak in front of caregiver/companion/family member
- Elder has purchased items he or she can’t use, such as a lifetime membership at a gym
- Elder receives care well above the level he or she needs.
If you or someone you know believes they are a victim of Elder Financial Abuse, please contact the Law Office of Ramon E. Lewis to arrange for a consultation. Elder Abuse in Any Form Should Not be Tolerated.
Client Testimonial
A Heartfelt Thank You to Ray.
I contacted Ray Lewis after my Mother died after a fall in rehabilitation center of which she was a patient. This was a very emotional time for me. Ray was very understanding and helpful. He was reassuring and worked very hard on this case. Ray let me know of any correspondence from the opposing attorney and of any movement on the case. Even though Ray was very busy with other cases, he always returned my calls and answered all of my questions, even the dumb ones. He settled the case for more than I ever expected. I cannot find the words to let Ray know how much I appreciated everything he did for me. Thank You so very much, Ray for all you did for me.
— Joyce
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