Any recommendations for a elder abuse lawyer in the Bay Area
Hello,
I'm looking for a elder abuse lawyer recommendation in the Bay Area. I have a family member who has been taking advantage of my mother financially and I am looking for recommendations on an attorney who has experience dealing with financial elder abuse who can help.
Thanks so much!
Lin
Jun 5, 2017
Parent Replies
Legal Assistance for Seniors in Oakland is supposed to be great - I haven't used them personally, but Albany Senior Center recommends them, and a Berkeley grad who works there came and talked to my MSW cohort and seemed good: http://www.lashicap.org/
If you haven't already, I'd make a report to Adult Protective Services just to get it documented. In Alameda County, they're stretched pretty thin, so it can take some effort to get through, but it's a good way to get some support/suggestions:"Persons interested in obtaining more information or who wish to report adult or elder abuse should call 24 hours a day: 510-577-3500 or toll free at 866-225-5277 (866-CALL-APS). ALL REFERRALS ARE CONFIDENTIAL." (from the website: https://www.alamedasocialservices.org/public/services/elders_and_disabl…)
If you're in Contra Costa County, this is the APS contact: (925) 646-2854. (http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/912/Reporting-Abuse)
Good luck!
Fiduciary abuse is a reportable offense. Report your observations to Adult Protective Services and let them investigate. If you have proof, provide it. Then go the legal route when the APS investigation is underway. If you want this elder protected, try to get a trusted person to get the elder to voluntarily sign a durable power of attorney for finances. If the elder refuses, a capacity hearing could be asked for , but you run a high risk of alienating the elder.
How do I know about this? I and others watched my cousin emotionally manipulate her 80 year old mother to hand her money inlump sums of $50 K at a time. The siblings did everything they could to stop it, but the mother was in her right mind and said "it's my money and I will give it to whomever I want". Soon she will not be able to afford the posh assisted living facility, but for now, there's nothing they can do short of a capacity hearing/APS. If either happens the elder has vowed to disown the siblings completely.
good luck and tread carefully!
Please consider calling Adult Protective Services (APS) and reporting the allegation of abuse. They can investigate and make a referral to both the local police and to the district attorney.
1-866-225-5277.
Thank you everyone, I was not aware of Adult Prorective Services. This sounds like a great starting point! I appreciate all of the suggestions, super helpful
In addition to the previous comments, be prepared to be very involved (even with an attorney). I was at the courthouse in Hayward earlier this week and a gentleman appearing for his elder abuse case arrived for his hearing as stated on his paperwork at 1:30pm, and the hearing had been moved without notifying him to 9:30am that same day. Information on how to stay on top of your case can be found here.
Good luck!