Financial Elder Abuse

Financial Elder Abuse

Protecting Elders from Financial Abuse and Exploitation

Your loved ones deserve safety, dignity, and justice. We fight to hold abusers accountable.

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When Trust Is Betrayed, We’re Here to Help

Financial elder abuse is devastating—both emotionally and financially. At McLellan Law Group, LLP, we stand by families and elders to uncover abuse, recover stolen assets, and hold wrongdoers accountable.

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What is Financial Elder Abuse?

Financial elder abuse is a form of exploitation that occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly person’s vulnerability to gain access to their finances or assets. In California, financial elder abuse is defined as “the taking, secreting, appropriating, or retaining real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both” (California Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30).

As California’s elders continue to get older, sadly, so do the opportunities for those who would abuse them. Our attorneys have experience protecting elders from bad actors who engage in financial elder abuse. We also protect heirs who have seen their elders suffer at the hands of abusers and have won trial victories in both scenarios.

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Common Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

  • Unexplained withdrawals or missing funds.
  • Sudden changes to wills, trusts, or financial documents.
  • Isolation of the elder from trusted family members.
  • Suspicious gifts, loans, or transfers of assets.


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financial elder abuse signs
Financial elder abuse resolution

Our Approach: Compassionate and Relentless Advocacy

Financial abuse can be hidden and complex, but we have the expertise to identify and prove it. Our team carefully investigates the details, works with financial experts, and uses California’s robust elder abuse laws to seek justice.

How We Help

Whether the abuser is a caregiver, family member, financial advisor, or someone else in a position of trust, we act swiftly to protect your loved one’s rights and recover their assets. There are also ways to protect elders from abuse, and our attorneys have experience assisting elders to stop abusers from their misdeeds.

Our goal is to restore their dignity and financial security.


Why Choose McLellan Law Group?

We understand how emotional and overwhelming these cases can be. Our team combines legal skill with compassion, providing clear guidance and unwavering advocacy to protect elders and their families. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.

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Stop Elder Financial Abuse in Its Tracks

If you suspect financial elder abuse, time is critical. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your loved one and pursue justice.

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  • What role can a law firm play in helping victims of financial elder abuse recover stolen assets?

    Attorneys can investigate the abuse, gather evidence, and identify the responsible parties. They can file lawsuits to reclaim misappropriated funds and seek damages for the victim. Under California law, elder abuse claims can lead to significant financial recovery and legal remedies. Legal professionals can also assist in securing protective orders and preventing further exploitation.

  • What are the statutes of limitations for filing financial elder abuse claims?

    The statutes of limitations for filing financial elder abuse claims in California generally require that the lawsuit be filed within four years from the date the abuse was discovered or should have been discovered. Consulting with an attorney can ensure compliance with these timeframes and protect your rights.

  • Do cases of financial elder abuse need to involve significant monetary losses to be actionable?

    No, cases of financial elder abuse do not need to involve significant monetary losses to be actionable. Any unauthorized use or exploitation of an elder's assets, regardless of the amount, can be grounds for legal action. California law protects elders from financial abuse, emphasizing the wrongful act rather than the financial magnitude. Evidence of misappropriation, coercion, or undue influence is sufficient to pursue a claim. Protecting elders from financial exploitation is critical, irrespective of the loss's size. And the losses could grow in size if the problem is not addressed.

  • What evidence is needed to prove financial exploitation of an elderly person?

    To prove financial exploitation of an elderly person, evidence is needed to demonstrate improper use of the elder's funds, property, or assets. This can include bank statements, financial records, and documents showing unauthorized transactions or transfers. Testimony from the elderly person, witnesses, and experts can also support the claim. Evidence of coercion, manipulation, or undue influence, such as emails, texts, or recorded conversations, is crucial. 

Client Testimonials

Hear from Those We've Represented

I recommend Attorney Claire Melehani, whose efforts were immediate, determined, analytical, well considered, and constant. Throughout her personal and team efforts, Claire worked hard to build a strong, strategic, and effective case to ensure a positive resolution to an unfolding disruptive and stressful situation. Much appreciation and gratitude.

- Anonymous

We worked with Claire and Steven on a living trust issue that we had, and were very impressed with their professionalism and patience in handling everything. Claire was highly recommended from another firm we had reached out to, and we certainly understand why. The situation we were dealing with was complicated, but both Claire and Steven were quick to get all the facts and wonderful in helping us get a clear game plan figured out. It is reassuring to know that we can always reach out to them for additional help if needed.

- Wendy

Steven’s legal expertise and sophistication were tremendous in resolving key issues in my case. Most important of all, Steven’s ability to bring my case to settlement with eloquent presentation while keeping my focus on the bigger picture was most impressive to me. If ever needed, I would hire Steven for his services in a heartbeat.

- Benjamin

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