At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we fight for seniors and their families that have experienced financial elder abuse. Whether it’s unauthorized transfers, exploitation by a caregiver, or high-pressure scams, we bring over 150 years of combined legal experience and a record of courtroom success to every case.
As one client put it, “Some of the most caring and compassionate people you will meet”, and we take that trust seriously.
According to KPBS, San Diego County’s senior population is projected to grow by more than 21%, and with that growth comes an alarming rise in financial exploitation. In 2024 alone, seniors in San Diego County lost an estimated $108 million to financial elder fraud, according to local investigators at ABC 10News.
What Is Financial Elder Abuse and Why It Matters in San Diego
Financial elder abuse occurs when someone takes or misuses a senior’s money, property, or assets for personal gain, often through deceit, coercion, or abuse of trust. In California, it’s a civil wrong and a crime under Penal Code §368 and the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act.
In San Diego, these cases take many forms:
- A caregiver is convincing a vulnerable senior to sign over property in Rancho Santa Fe.
- A fraudulent “investment” scheme targeting retirees in La Jolla.
- The bank account is being drained by someone holding a power of attorney.
One high-profile local case in 2025 involved a $360,000 gold bar scam, stopped by the Elder Justice Task Force before the victim lost more.
Senior advocacy groups like Elder Law & Advocacy and the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation provide education, support, and resources, but when abuse has already occurred, legal action is often the only way to recover what’s been taken and hold the abuser accountable.
Our Financial Elder Abuse Services in San Diego
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we focus on stopping financial exploitation of seniors and recovering what’s been taken. Our San Diego team handles cases involving:
- Misappropriation of Funds
- Undue Influence Claims
- Power of Attorney Abuse
- Trust/Estate Exploitation
- Predatory Lending Fraud
- Investment Fraud
- Banking and Credit Card Fraud
- Caregiver Exploitation
- Real Estate Transfer Abuse
- Elder Fraud and Scams
- Recovery of Assets
- Civil Litigation for Damages
- Protective Orders and Injunctions
- Fiduciary/Trustee Misconduct
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsOur Process for Handling Financial Elder Abuse Cases
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we approach financial elder abuse cases with a combination of urgency, precision, and compassion. Our process is designed to both stop the abuse immediately and secure the best possible recovery for the victim.
- Immediate Case Intake & Protective Measures
We act quickly to freeze suspicious transactions, secure restraining orders if necessary, and coordinate with Adult Protective Services (APS), local law enforcement, or the San Diego County District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit. - Detailed Investigation
We gather financial records, interview witnesses, and, when appropriate, work with forensic accountants. For example, in cases involving estates in Del Mar or Mission Hills, we’ve traced hidden transfers through layered accounts. - Legal Action
We pursue both civil and criminal remedies when available, from filing lawsuits under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act to cooperating with prosecutors to press charges. - Partnership with Local Banks & Institutions
We maintain relationships with San Diego financial institutions to help detect and document suspicious activity, leveraging California’s bank fraud detection laws to strengthen our case. - Resolution & Recovery
We fight to recover stolen funds, return misappropriated property, and secure compensation for emotional distress. In cases where ongoing care is at risk, we also work to make sure the victim’s financial future is protected through conservatorships or trust restructuring.
Throughout this process, we keep clients and their families fully informed, offering the clear, compassionate guidance that has become our hallmark.
California Laws, Penalties & Compensation for Financial Elder Abuse
In California, financial elder abuse is addressed under both civil and criminal law, giving victims multiple avenues for justice.
Under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, victims can recover:
- The value of the property taken or lost
- Treble damages in some cases
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Possible punitive damages when the conduct is proven malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent
Beyond returning stolen assets, courts may award damages for emotional distress and financial insecurity. In high-value cases,such as those involving real estate in La Jolla or investment portfolios managed through downtown San Diego firms, total recoveries can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Why Choose The Estate Lawyers, APC for Your Financial Elder Abuse Case
Selecting the right attorney can determine whether a financial elder abuse case ends in frustration or justice. In San Diego, the stakes are often high, with seniors holding valuable real estate, retirement portfolios, and lifetime savings.
Here’s what The Estate Lawyers, APC, can offer:
- Proven Elder Law Focus: Our practice is dedicated to probate, trust, and elder abuse litigation, we don’t dilute our attention with unrelated case types.
- Extensive Court Experience: With over 150 years of combined legal experience, we’ve argued cases in the San Diego County Superior Court – Probate Division and worked directly with the DA’s Elder Abuse Unit.
- Track Record of Results: From recovering six-figure losses to halting ongoing financial exploitation, our record shows both speed and effectiveness.
- Local Relationships: We partner with San Diego banks for fraud detection and work with senior advocacy groups to support prevention and recovery.
- Compassionate Communication: Clients trust us to keep them informed, explain legal options clearly, and respect their emotional well-being during a difficult time.
When abuse threatens a loved one’s financial security, the right legal team brings not just skill, but urgency, empathy, and local insight.
Local Legal & Support Resources for Elder Abuse in San Diego
If you suspect financial elder abuse, quick access to the right resources can make a critical difference. In San Diego County, we regularly work with and refer clients to:
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit
Investigates and prosecutes criminal elder abuse cases, including large-scale financial fraud. - Adult Protective Services (APS) – San Diego County
Provides immediate intervention and case management for seniors facing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. - Elder Law & Advocacy
Offers free civil legal services to over 6,000 seniors annually, focusing on protecting financial rights and stability. - San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
Supports programs that enhance seniors’ financial security, social connections, and legal wellness. - Local Bank Fraud Departments
Under California law, banks in San Diego are required to flag and temporarily halt suspicious senior transactions over $5,000, giving time for investigation. - Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (UC San Diego)
Provides medical evaluations and professional resources in cases involving diminished capacity.
Knowing and using these resources can help stop abuse quickly, strengthen your legal case, and protect your loved one’s long-term financial safety.
Speak with a San Diego Financial Elder Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that a senior in your life is being financially exploited, whether by a caregiver, family member, fiduciary, or outside scammer, the time to act is now. Every day you wait increases the risk of losing more assets and makes recovery harder.
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we bring over 150 years of combined legal experience, deep knowledge of San Diego’s elder abuse laws, and proven results in recovering stolen assets and stopping ongoing exploitation.
Schedule your free consultation now.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to Guide, Here to Fight, Here for You