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Palm Beach County Estate & Probate Attorneys / Stuart Financial Exploitation Attorney

Financial Exploitation of the Elderly in Stuart

How Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll Can Help

As people age, they may become more vulnerable to financial exploitation by individuals they trust. Whether it’s a family member, neighbor, caregiver, or even a trusted organization, elderly individuals often find themselves the victims of financial abuse. This exploitation can take many forms, from unauthorized access to bank accounts to fraudulent schemes that drain their savings or assets. At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, we understand the emotional and financial toll this type of exploitation can take. Our Stuart financial exploitation lawyers are here to help protect the rights and interests of the elderly in Stuart and Martin County.

How Financial Exploitation Happens

Financial exploitation occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly person’s trust to unlawfully gain access to their finances. The perpetrator is often someone close to the individual—a family member, neighbor, caregiver, or a representative from a service organization. These individuals might misuse their position of trust to gain control over bank accounts, take out loans, steal property, or pressure the individual into making unnecessary or harmful financial decisions.

One of the common reasons for this exploitation is misplaced trust. The elderly person may be isolated and dependent on the exploiter for companionship or care, making them more susceptible to manipulation. In some cases, the elderly might not be fully aware of the exploitation due to cognitive decline or simply not understanding the intricacies of modern financial transactions.

The Emotional Barriers to Reporting Financial Exploitation

Unfortunately, many elderly victims of financial exploitation do not come forward for several reasons.

  • Fear of Losing Companionship or Care: The elderly often rely heavily on the individuals exploiting them for companionship or daily care. They may fear that if they report the abuse, they will lose that connection or the care they depend on. This fear can prevent them from seeking help, even when they are fully aware of the exploitation.

  • Embarrassment: Many elderly individuals feel a sense of shame or embarrassment about being taken advantage of. They may believe that others will judge them for being “naive” or “gullible,” which discourages them from sharing their experiences with loved ones or authorities.

  • Feeling Responsible: In some cases, elderly victims blame themselves for the exploitation. They might think that they should have been more careful or that they somehow enabled the perpetrator’s actions by giving them access to their finances. This misplaced sense of responsibility often keeps them from speaking out or seeking legal assistance.

How Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll Can Help

At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, we understand the complex emotional and legal issues surrounding financial exploitation. Our experienced Stuart elder law attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for elderly individuals who have been victimized by someone they trusted.

We can assist in several ways:

  • Investigating Suspicious Financial Activity: Our team can help investigate potential financial exploitation by reviewing account records, contracts, or legal documents to uncover instances of fraud, coercion, or undue influence.

  • Legal Protection and Advocacy: We will work to secure protective measures to prevent further exploitation. This can include restraining orders, appointing a legal guardian, or seeking restitution for stolen assets.

  • Guiding Families: If a family member suspects that their loved one is being exploited, we can provide legal guidance on how to intervene and take appropriate legal steps to protect the elderly individual’s financial future.

  • Pursuing Legal Action: In cases where financial exploitation has already occurred, we can help the victim or their family members pursue legal action against the perpetrator. This may involve civil lawsuits to recover lost funds or criminal charges if the exploitation involved fraud or theft.

Take the First Step Toward Justice – Contact Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of financial exploitation in Stuart, it is important to act quickly to protect your assets and prevent further harm. At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, we are dedicated to seeing elderly individuals through these challenging situations with care, dignity, and respect. Call 561-721-0600 today or contact us online to learn how we can help safeguard your financial well-being and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Protecting the elderly from financial abuse is not just our job—it’s our commitment.