Proven Florida Lawyers Protect Seniors’ Assets and Fight Financial Elder Abuse

Dedicated Sarasota attorneys help older clients avoid money problems

As our society ages and improved healthcare extends lives, many elderly residents are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their financial needs on fixed incomes and life savings. Any unexpected financial loss can have a significant impact on seniors’ living arrangements, medical care and overall well-being. Our Sarasota law firm, Lyons, Beaudry & Harrison, P.A., provides comprehensive guidance so that seniors and their families can avoid financial exploitation and prevent unnecessary money problems.

Gulf Coast advocates combat the financial exploitation of the elderly

We understand the stresses that elderly Americans face and how programs such as Medicaid are usually not enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Unfortunately, dishonest individuals and businesses sometimes try to take advantage of vulnerable seniors. Even if you only suspect that you or someone you love has been victimized in this way, it is important to seek immediate assistance from a qualified attorney. Our lawyers handle a full range of these cases, including:

• Diminished capacity claims — When an elderly person suffers from diminished capacity, there is a serious risk of financial exploitation by family, friends, caregivers, and even complete strangers. More than 6 million cases of financial elder abuse occur annually. While Florida law imposes criminal and civil penalties against these wrongdoers, recovering the elderly person’s assets from the perpetrator can be difficult. Whether the victim is wealthy or surviving largely on government benefits, our firm will take prompt, effective action.
• Nursing home exploitation — Elderly residents and their families place enormous trust in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. Unfortunately, these businesses and their employees sometimes abuse their position and misappropriate patient funds. We have the experience to identify when something improper occurs and to hold violators accountable.
• Telephone, online and in-person scams — Older people sometimes fall victim to scam artists who prey on them and their lack of sophistication. This can be especially true if a senior lacks companionship and gives into a misleading approach on their computer, phone or someone who meets with them personally. In these cases, we work tirelessly to recover lost funds and prevent any further harm.

Financial elder abuse often goes unreported because victims are embarrassed or unsure that a legal claim exists. Once you bring us in, we’ll give you effective guidance to help restore your financial security.

Thorough firm develops sound asset protection strategies for seniors

The best way to prevent elder financial abuse is with a well-drafted estate plan that contemplates the possibility of diminished capacity and incorporates preventive measures, such as a Life Care Plan, to protect the elderly person from financial exploitation. These arrangements should be established long before someone is affected by a mental disability. Choosing a trusted family member or professional to manage the financial affairs of the elderly person is essential. Our firm sets up a strong support structure and performs “annual checkups” to prevent problems and identify potential threats. We also take effective measures to address the impact that medical and nursing-home care can have on a senior’s life savings. Through proper Medicaid planning, our firm can help elderly clients secure benefits for these expenses while retaining access to their savings if needed for other purposes or as a legacy for surviving loved ones.

Contact a Florida attorney for help with a financial elder abuse or asset protection issue

Lyons, Beaudry & Harrison, P.A. advises clients on matters relating to financial elder abuse and asset protection, along with other legal concerns affecting seniors. Please call 941-444-6407 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Sarasota office, located on Main Street in the Ellis Building.