Experienced Representation In California Financial Elder And Dependent Abuse Cases
At the Lendrum Law Firm, attorney Jeff Lendrum regularly represents elders and dependent adults located throughout California in financial fraud, securities fraud, trust litigation, breach of fiduciary duty, loan fraud and real estate fraud cases.
Community Recognition
Mr. Lendrum has been recognized as one of Southern California’s Legal Leaders by the Los Angeles Times in the categories of consumer law and litigation. In recognition of his achievements and skill, for more than 21 years, Mr. Lendrum has been AV Preeminent peer-review rated* through Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible for attorneys.
Protections For Elders And Dependents Under California Law
California law offers protection for elders (age 65 or older) and dependent adults (a person who has physical or mental limitations that restrict his or her ability to carry out normal activities and who is between 18 and 64). These laws provide powerful protection of and remedies for the elderly and disabled.
Elder and dependent abuse laws apply to any “taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, retaining or wrongful use” of property (which includes money). If the property was taken from an elder or dependent or transferred by fraud or undue influence, the remedies available are extremely powerful, including the right to seek the return of the property, damages, double damages and punitive damages, as well as reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees.
Recognizing The Signs
Signs and symptoms of financial elder abuse or dependent adult abuse include:
- The purchase of inappropriate financial products, such as annuities, by an elder or dependent adult
- Out-of-character investments, including those where there is no readily available market, investments promising high returns, or investment or financial products purchased at “free” lunch or dinner seminars
- The purchase of unnecessary or fraudulent insurance products
- Unexplained loans (including to family members, trusted professionals and/or third parties)
- Unexplained transfers or gifts to a family member, trusted advisor or stranger
- Unexplained changes or modifications to an elder’s will
- Sudden changes in a bank account or banking practice, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder or dependent adult
- The inclusion of additional names on an elder or dependent adult bank signature card
- Forged documents used in financial transactions or for the transfer of title or property
- Previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to property and/or possessions of an elder or dependent adult
If you believe you are a victim of elder financial abuse or dependent adult abuse, contact the Lendrum Law Firm to arrange a consultation.
Schedule a meeting with attorney Jeff Lendrum today. Call 619-573-6903 or send an email.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.
