Broken Trust: Pursuing Remedies for Victims of Elder Financial Abuse by Agents Under Power-of-Attorney Agreements

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Power-of-attorney documents are popular among the elderly for end-of-life planning. Powers of attorney are easy and inexpensive to prepare and do not require an attorney. However, financial abuse of the elderly by people who serve as agents under powers of attorney is a growing problem. By the time many elderly victims seek help from an attorney, they are already in dire financial straits. Advocates need to be ever more aware of this area of the law and develop strategies not only to remedy this kind of abuse but also to prevent it.

By Katrina G. Hull From September-October 2008 Clearinghouse Review