We recover financial losses for our older clients and achieve outcomes that restore dignity and puts them back in control. We also help our elderly clients avoid situations of elder abuse through careful planning, and putting in place safeguards.

We can help you

Recover financial losses

  • seek the removal of an attorney or administrator that is not acting in accordance with their legal duties
  • obtain information and financial accounts about how an older person’s money and assets are being managed
  • recover funds misappropriated by attorneys, administrators or trustees
  • recover money lent out that is not paid back
  • overturn improper transfer of property
  • prevent the sale of an older person’s home without their authority or consent
  • recover losses from banks and financial institutions
  • pursue lawyers, financial advisors and other professionals who breach obligations owed to their older clients

Plan ahead and protect your rights

  • create powers of attorney and advanced care directives including personalised documents that records any wishes, instructions and limitations you wish to place on these powers
  • estate planning including Wills, structuring and succession of family business entities including companies and trusts
  • VCAT guardianship and administration matters including contested matters
  • contest or defend claims in relation to Wills and Estates read more.
  • acquire or dispose of property
  • prepare loan agreements or document family arrangements
  • instruct appropriate medical specialists to confirm your capacity to manage your own affairs
  • document relevant personal and family history and the reasons for decisions you have made about your arrangements that you would want to be known and made available in the event of a dispute if you lost decision making capacity or died

What you can expect

A dedicated practice to helping our older clients and their families

We see many older clients in situations that impact negatively on their quality of life, financial security, family relationships and dignity.  Other times it is their family members who have legitimate concerns about whether a parent is subject to elder financial abuse. To be able to more comprehensively meet the needs of these clients we formed a dedicated practice to address and resolve elder financial abuse and provide elder law expertise.

A personal, sensitive approach

Our clients appreciate our personal service and sensitive approach to what can often be distressing circumstances.  We get to know you and gain an understanding of the challenges you face, including your family and other relationships that are important to you.  However, where circumstances require it, we will advocate forcefully for our clients and take a robust approach to litigation to seek to stamp out elder financial abuse and stop money or assets being misappropriated, or to recover misappropriated assets.

No surprises pricing

We take our time to understand your situation and the help you need.  We provide you with a personalised proposal and a fixed fee cost.  You will know the costs before we start work.  It is important to us that you feel free to provide information and ask questions without worrying about being charged for every phone call or meeting.

Awards and Accreditation

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Elder Financial Abuse and Elder Law

Elder Financial Abuse is where misappropriation of financial resources or property causes harm to others and Elder Law focuses specifically on issues affecting our clients as they age, and on the rights and responsibilities of older persons.

What is Inheritance impatience?

Elder financial abuse, often referred to as inheritance impatience, occurs where an older person is taken advantage of and suffers financial losses as a result. The abuse often occurs within a family. It is usually perpetrated by a trusted person – an adult child, another family member, a spouse or partner, friend or carer. Elder abuse can also be perpetrated by strangers e.g, online fraud, investment scams and romance scams.

I’m worried about Mum’s financial wellbeing - can I seek advice about my concerns without her permission?

Yes, you can seek legal advice about your concerns which might assist you in discussing the situation with your mother and your family or taking other appropriate steps. There are a number of ways that you might be able to approach the situation depending on the circumstances.

My daughter is insisting that I give her access to my bank accounts but I feel like it is not her business – what can I do?

Financial abuse or exploitation can take a number of different forms.  It can be theft or mismanagement of an older person’s funds, real estate, investments or personal property.  It can be a one-off incident or can continue for many years.  Some of the ways that older persons can be exploited include:

  • Financial coercion with threats of social isolation, not having access to grandchildren or being moved into an aged care facility.
  • Frequent demands for money.
  • Mismanagement of powers of attorney, where the attorney misappropriates funds or uses the principal’s funds for the attorney’s personal benefit or for the benefit of others.
  • Unscrupulous dealings with property or investments, where the older person transfers the asset under market value.
  • Persuading an older person to change their Will.
  • Moving in with an older person and refusing to pay rent, or refusing to leave.
What can I do if I suspect that my father’s attorney is mismanaging his assets?

You have a number of options depending on your father’s circumstances and his preferences about how to manage the issue. You should seek advice about what those options are.

Advisor Resources

Powers of Attorney – Compensation Claims in Victoria
  • Powers of Attorney – Compensation Claims in Victoria

    Download
VCAT: Guardianship and Administration Overview
  • VCAT: Guardianship and Administration Overview

    Download
VCAT: Proceedings in the Guardianship List
  • VCAT: Proceedings in the Guardianship List

    Download

Contact us

Need assistance with elder financial abuse?  Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us