Minnesota Lawyers Working To Prevent The Financial Exploitation Of Vulnerable Adults

Disabled, elderly or otherwise incapacitated adults are often well cared for by family members and friends. However, situations can arise in which an individual is at risk and exploited by someone who takes financial advantage of his or her condition. If you believe a family member or friend is being financially exploited, take immediate action to protect them.

At Mason & Helmers, clients can explain their situation to our experienced probate and estate litigation attorneys. We handle cases of financially exploited vulnerable adults for clients in Minneapolis and St. Paul, throughout the Twin Cities.

Our firm understands the needs of families that discover a loved one is being financially exploited. This is an emotional time that can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. We assess the situation and determine how to act promptly to protect those involved.

Common Warning Signs Of Financial Exploitation

They might not be apparent right away, but being able to identify them is crucial. Some things to look out for include:

• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from bank accounts.
• Sudden changes in financial documents, such as wills or powers of attorney.
• Late or unpaid bills despite being able to pay them.
• Lack of necessities despite adequate financial resources.
• Isolation from family and friends or sudden changes in spending habits.

If you notice these signs, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your loved one from further harm.

Legal Protections For The Financially Exploited

Minnesota law offers robust legal protections for vulnerable adults who suffer from financial exploitation. These protections can include:

• Legal avenues to recover stolen assets.
• The ability to seek compensation for damages.
• Protective orders to prevent further exploitation and safeguard assets.
• Criminal penalties for perpetrators.

We are dedicated to using our legal tools and resources to protect your loved ones from further harm. Call us to learn how we can assist them and the rest of your family.

What To Do If You Suspect A Vulnerable Loved One Is Being Exploited

If you suspect your vulnerable loved one is being taken advantage of, make sure you:

• Report your concerns to local authorities or adult protective services.
• Gather and document any evidence of exploitation, such as bank statements or suspicious transactions.
• Consult with an experienced attorney to explore legal strategies and protections.

The last thing you want is for your vulnerable loved one to lose everything they’ve worked so hard for over their lifetime. We understand how hard this must be for you and your family. Let us seek the justice your loved one deserves.

Financial Exploitation

Many financial exploitation cases involve an elderly person’s finances. Someone has manipulated the person into signing over significant amounts of cash or property or the assets of the older person have been stolen outright. The exploiter may be a family member, neighbor, friend or caregiver. Often because of the position of closeness or trust, misrepresentation or a weakened mental condition, vulnerable adults do not understand the risks or may believe the lies they have been told, leading them to suffer large financial losses.

Contact Our Office Now

We understand the sensitive nature of these situations, often involving close family members, adult children, or trusted friends, neighbors or caregivers. For more information on how we can help you prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, contact Mason & Helmers in St. Paul, Minnesota. Call 651-323-2548 to set up an appointment.