Experienced Attorneys Handling Elder Law and Financial Abuse Cases in Buffalo, NY
Elder financial abuse is an alarming issue that affects many seniors, particularly those in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. When nursing home employees, caregivers, or even family members take advantage of an elderly person’s finances, the consequences can be devastating. If you suspect that a loved one has been financially exploited, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options under New York state law.
At Brown Chiari LLP, our team of elder law attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights and financial well-being of seniors in Buffalo, NY. We provide comprehensive legal services, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, and representation in nursing home abuse cases. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss how we can help.
Understanding Elder Financial Abuse in New York
Elder financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an elderly person’s money, property, or assets. This type of abuse can happen in various settings, including nursing homes, private residences, and assisted living facilities. Under New York state law, financial exploitation of seniors is considered a form of elder abuse and may involve fraud, theft, or coercion.
Common signs of elder financial abuse include:
- Unexplained withdrawals or financial transactions
- Sudden changes to a last will or power of attorney
- Missing valuables or assets
- Unexpected changes in legal documents or estate planning arrangements
- Isolation of the elderly person from other family members
- Unpaid medical treatment bills despite having sufficient funds
If you believe a loved one has been subjected to financial abuse, it is essential to seek legal counsel immediately. Our Buffalo elder financial abuse lawyer can investigate the situation and take appropriate legal action to protect your loved one’s rights.
Legal Protections for Seniors in Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse. Nursing home employees and even administrators may misuse residents’ funds, pressure them into signing over assets, or deny proper nursing home care to manipulate them financially. In cases where neglect or abuse occurs alongside financial exploitation, legal action may be necessary to protect the victim’s health and financial well-being.
New York state law provides strong legal protections for seniors in nursing homes, including:
- Rights to financial transparency regarding nursing home care costs
- Protections against undue influence when signing legal documents
- Oversight to prevent unauthorized use of a resident’s assets
- Legal avenues for recovering stolen funds or mismanaged assets
Our elder law attorneys have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases and can help you take the appropriate steps to ensure your loved one is safe and financially secure.
Estate Planning and Elder Law Services
Financial security is a critical part of long-term care planning. Our firm offers a range of estate planning and elder law services to help seniors and their families manage their assets and ensure their financial intentions are honored.
Our legal services include:
- Drafting and updating wills, trusts, and other estate documents
- Establishing a health care proxy to ensure proper medical treatment decisions
- Medicaid planning to protect assets while securing long-term care benefits
- Disability planning for individuals needing specialized financial arrangements
- Estate administration and probate guidance for family members handling a loved one’s estate
Proper estate planning helps protect assets and ensures that a loved one’s financial affairs are managed as intended. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide legal advice tailored to your specific needs.
Protecting Family Assets and Benefits
Many seniors rely on Social Security, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance to cover medical expenses and nursing home care. Unfortunately, financial exploitation can put these benefits at risk. Our firm assists clients in protecting their benefits while ensuring they receive the care they need.
We help families with:
- Understanding Medicaid’s look back period and how it affects eligibility
- Establishing trusts to protect assets from financial exploitation
- Creating a power of attorney to safeguard finances from misuse
- Determining the best legal strategies for long-term care planning
If you need assistance securing financial protections for yourself or a loved one, our elder law attorneys in Buffalo, NY, can provide the legal guidance you need.
Why Choose Brown Chiari LLP for Elder Law and Financial Abuse Cases?
Our firm is dedicated to protecting seniors and ensuring they receive the financial security and legal protections they deserve. We have a strong track record of handling complex elder law cases, including financial abuse claims, estate planning, and nursing home issues.
When you work with our team, you can expect:
- A compassionate and dedicated approach to protecting seniors’ rights
- Skilled legal representation in cases of elder financial abuse and nursing home neglect
- Guidance on estate planning, long-term care, and Medicaid planning
- Experienced attorneys who understand New York state law and elder law regulations
If you suspect that a loved one has been financially exploited, do not wait to take action. Our attorneys can help you protect their financial future and hold those responsible accountable.
Contact a Buffalo Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer Today
Elder financial abuse is a serious issue that can devastate a loved one’s financial security. Learn more about elder law protections in Buffalo, NY. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward protecting your loved one’s rights.
Buffalo Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer FAQs
1. What legal options are available for elderly financial abuse victims in New York?
New York state law provides several options for addressing elder financial abuse, including civil lawsuits, estate litigation, and guardianship proceedings. An attorney can help determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your case.
2. How can I protect my loved one from financial abuse in a nursing home?
Monitoring financial transactions, establishing a power of attorney, and working with elder law attorneys can help protect your loved one from financial abuse. If you suspect abuse, taking legal action quickly is essential.
3. What estate planning tools can help prevent elder financial abuse?
Creating a last will, trusts, and health care proxy documents can help prevent unauthorized financial decisions. Proper estate planning ensures that assets are distributed according to the individual’s wishes.
4. What should I do if I suspect a nursing home employee is financially exploiting a resident?
Report your concerns to the nursing home administration and contact an attorney immediately. Nursing home abuse, including financial exploitation, is illegal, and legal action may be necessary to recover stolen funds.
5. How can an elder law attorney help with Medicaid and long-term care planning?
An elder law attorney can help with Medicaid planning, ensuring eligibility while protecting assets. They can also guide families through long-term care planning to secure benefits without jeopardizing financial stability.
If you need assistance with elder law matters or suspect financial abuse, contact our experienced attorneys today for legal advice and support.