Elderly & Vulnerable Clients

It is a sad fact of life that there are some who seek to take advantage of elderly or vulnerable people. Financial abuse can take many forms. A family member may take money without knowledge or consent, or by exerting undue influence to induce “gifts” of money or property. A person entrusted with power of attorney may abuse that trust. Unscrupulous salesmen may force or bamboozle someone into entering into contracts for goods or services they do not want or need.

Our specialist lawyers at Bell & Buxton offer a full range of services aimed at minimising the risk of financial abuse, stopping it in its tracks where it is uncovered and undoing the damage as far as possible.

Preventing abuse:-

• By putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney for someone trusted, including directions as to how and when it should be used
• By preparing a will to ensure that a person’s longer term wishes about who should benefit from their property and other assets is recorded
• By signposting to sources of support such as community projects and support groups and charities

Stopping abuse:-

• By revoking misused powers of attorney through application in the Office of the Public Guardian or the Court of Protection
• By establishing protective measures with new powers of attorney or deputyship order
• By alerting Adult Social Services and seeking help with securing a person’s safety or wellbeing

Recovery action:-

• By taking action to trace and recover assets taken as a result of undue influence or without consent including by application to the Court of Protection, County Court or High Court as may be required

See also our Deputyship page and Court of Protection pages for related information