Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation
Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation
Older adults are sometimes targeted for financial exploitation or subjected to neglect, whether by strangers, caregivers, or even family members in positions of trust. O’Gorman and Sandroni represent seniors and their families in pursuing legal remedies against those responsible, in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Recognizing Financial Exploitation
Warning signs include sudden changes to estate planning documents, unexplained withdrawals or transfers, new authorized users on financial accounts, and isolation of a senior from family members who might otherwise notice a problem.
Legal Remedies Available
Depending on the circumstances, remedies may include civil claims to recover misappropriated funds, petitions to void improperly obtained powers of attorney or estate planning documents, and coordination with law enforcement and Adult Protective Services on criminal exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Document what you’ve observed, secure financial and legal documents where possible, report the suspected exploitation to Missouri Adult Protective Services, and consult an attorney promptly to discuss civil remedies.
In many cases, yes, through civil litigation seeking repayment or the return of assets, though the likelihood of recovery depends on the specific facts and what assets remain.
Since 1985 Sean O’Gorman and Andrew Sandroni have been representing clients in all areas of the law. O’Gorman & Sandroni, P.C. was founded in 1989 on the principles of honesty, integrity, and the aggressive pursuit of our client’s goals.