858.792.5988

Serving San Diego for over 35 Years

Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

I retired on Dec. 31, 2019, and officially closed my office, after 42 years of practicing law. I thank you all for your confidence in me and your friendship over the years. My colleague David Dufek who has shared the suite with me for the past two years is taking over my practice and will have all client files. Not only will David be taking over the practice, he remains in the suite and is taking over my fax and phone lines. You are free to leave your files with David or pick them up. David's practice like mine includes will, trusts, and probate, as well as personal injury work. He also does landlord - tenant work and debtor - creditor matters including bankruptcy.

I wish you all the best.

Alex

Warning from San Diego Estate Planning Attorney: Caretakers Take Advantage of Elderly

As the San Diego estate planning attorney knows, financial abuse of the elderly by caretakers or new friends is common.  If you hire a caretaker through an agency, that agency will have performed background checks.  If you hire a caretaker privately, be sure to run a background check including criminal and credit checks.

Once, you hire a caretaker or a new friend enters your elderly loved one’s life, be sure to stay alert to these warning signs:

Financial abuse warning signs:

  • Caregiver abuse.  Because of the care giving relationship, the elderly often become very trusting of the caregiver.  If money or personal items go missing, it may be the result of financial abuse.

Keep on the lookout for physical or mental abuse as well.  Typical signs include broken bones, unexplained bruising, emergency room visits, dehydration, malnutrition, emotional withdrawal, rocking, and outbursts of anger.

  • Unexplained estate planning changes. One client proposed to three caregivers.  The first two came forward and told the adult son about the proposal.  The third, said nothing, and told the client that she’d marry him if he changed his will to benefit her.  To get the client away from this predatory caregiver, the son moved his father to go live with his sibling 3000 miles away.

If your elderly loved one wants to change his or her estate plan, find out why.  If the reasoning or the changes don’t make sense, investigate.  Our San Diego estate planning attorney helps people just like you.

  • Unexplained bank account activity. Beware of unexplained withdrawals or a change in account ownership.  Check monthly statements and credit card statements.
  • Suspicious mail or telephone calls? Check telephone records and mail.  The elderly are often targeted via phone and mail for scams.
  • New friends. Are there new friends, financial advisors, or ministers in your elderly loved one’s life?  Be aware that often these people are con artists targeting the elderly.

It is in your loved one’s best interest for you to be on alert for financial abuse.  If you suspect abuse, get help immediately.  Don’t hesitate.  Need help with your elderly loved one’s estate planning?  Call our San Diego estate planning attorney office at 858-792-5988 for a consultation.