Elder abuse and financial exploitation
Stop the harm and protect what is left.
If someone is in danger right now, call 911.
To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older adult, contact Adult Protective Services. In Virginia, APS is run through your local department of social services. You do not need proof to make a report. Then call us about the legal steps.
Overview
Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, neglect or financial.
Financial exploitation is the kind we see most: a new "friend", a paid helper, or sometimes a relative using a power of attorney or a joint account for themselves. If someone is in danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse, contact Adult Protective Services. Then call us about the legal steps that can protect your loved one.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about elder abuse when:
- Money is missing from a parent's accounts and no one can explain it
- Someone used a power of attorney for their own benefit
- A parent was pressured to change a will, a deed or a bank account
- A caregiver or care facility may be neglecting a parent
- A parent lost savings to a phone or online scam
What we help with
- Revoking or challenging a power of attorney
- Emergency conservatorship
- Recovering money or property
- Working with Adult Protective Services
- Protective orders
Warning signs to watch for
- Unusual withdrawals, new names on accounts or new cards you did not know about.
- A new "best friend" or helper who keeps family away.
- Unpaid bills even though there should be enough income.
- Changes to a will, deed or account that do not match past wishes.
- Unexplained injuries, weight loss, or fear of a caregiver.
How it works
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Step 1: Safety first
If anyone is in danger, call 911. Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services. You do not need proof to make a report.
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Step 2: Stop the access
We help revoke a misused power of attorney, alert banks, and close the doors the person is using.
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Step 3: Protect what is left
If no one has authority to act, an emergency conservatorship can let someone protect the remaining money quickly.
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Step 4: Recover what we can
When it makes sense, we go to court to get money or property back. We are honest about the cost and the odds before you decide.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Urgent consultation We aim to meet within two business days $350 | $350 |
| Revoking a power of attorney and notifying banks $750 to $1,500 | $750 to $1,500 |
| Emergency conservatorship Quoted after a phone call | Quoted after a phone call |
| Court case to recover money or property Hourly or contingency, explained in writing | Hourly or contingency, explained in writing |
What we cannot promise
We cannot promise that lost money will come back. Sometimes it is gone, or the person who took it has nothing to collect. We tell you honestly what a case is likely to cost compared with what it may recover.
Questions families ask
Should I call you or Adult Protective Services first?
If someone may be in danger, call 911 first. If you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation, report it to Adult Protective Services. Then call us about legal steps. APS and a lawyer do different jobs, and you can contact both.
What if the person taking advantage is my sibling?
That happens often, and it is painful. We focus on protecting your parent, not on punishing anyone. Sometimes a clear letter and a new power of attorney solve it. Sometimes a court has to step in.
Can money lost to a scam be recovered?
Sometimes a bank can stop or reverse a payment if it is reported very quickly. Money sent by wire, gift card or cryptocurrency is often hard to get back. Call the bank and report it to law enforcement right away.
Who you will work with
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Daniel Okafor
Attorney
Related practice areas
Worried someone is taking advantage?
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.