Elder Law and Elder Financial Abuse in New Zealand

Elder Law is a special area of law that focuses on the legal needs of older people. In New Zealand, this includes helping seniors with issues like health care, estate planning, and, importantly, protecting them from financial abuse.

What is Elder Financial Abuse?

Elder financial abuse happens when someone takes advantage of an older person’s money or property. This can be done by family members, caregivers, or even strangers. It can involve stealing money, using a senior’s credit card without permission, or tricking them into signing documents they don’t understand.

Examples of Elder Financial Abuse

• Scams: An older person might receive a phone call from someone pretending to be from a bank, asking for personal information. This is a scam that can lead to theft.
• Pressure to Change Wills: A family member might pressure an elderly relative to change their will to benefit themselves, rather than other family members.
• Misuse of Power of Attorney: If someone has been given power of attorney, they can make financial decisions for an older person. If they misuse this power for their own gain, it is considered abuse.

How Elder Law Can Help

In New Zealand, lawyers who specialise in Elder Law can help protect older people from financial abuse. They can:

• Advise on how to set up safeguards, like creating a trust or appointing a reliable power of attorney.
• Assist in reporting financial abuse to the authorities.
• Help recover lost funds or challenge unfair changes to a will.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is an older person facing financial abuse, it’s important to seek help. You can contact a lawyer who specialises in Elder Law to discuss your situation. They can provide guidance and support to ensure that older people are treated fairly and their rights are protected.

Remember, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure, especially our elders.