After law school, Athena joined Snell & Wilmer where she practiced civil state and federal court litigation, including writs and appeals, labor and employment cases, trademark infringement, franchise disputes, construction defect cases, real property disputes, and product liability litigation.  Athena left Snell & Wilmer and joined Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer LLP as an environmental law associate.  At Downey, Athena’s practice focused on environmental litigation and regulatory compliance.  Athena then joined Jay-Allen Eisen Law Corporation as a senior associate.   At Jay-Allen from 2002 through 2006, Athena focused her practice on writs and appeals.  Athena then joined the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law as a full-time lecturer.  At McGeorge, Athena taught Global Lawyering Skills. Oakland, Financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult occurs when a person or entity does any of the following: This liability is supported by the court’s findings that ‘[decedent] did not know the extent of [defendant’s] spending,’ and that ‘[w]hile. How many older Americans are abused? December 15, 2020 in Evans Law Firm. Financial abuse is depriving an elder of money or property, or of control over money or property, by theft, manipulation, undue influence, or fraud.. Why Does Elder Abuse Happen? Financial abuse C. Dynamics of Elder Abuse 12 D. California’s Approach to Addressing Elder Abuse 14 1. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program E. Elder Abuse Issues in the Courts 18 1. There also are litigation risks associated with these issues. Adult Protective Services (APS) 3. In addition, an action for financial abuse under the Act may also be initiated or maintained by the elder or dependent adult’s representative, including a conservator, trustee, or attorney-in-fact. The law defines taking to include depriving an elder or dependent adult “of any property right, including by means of an agreement, donative transfer, or testamentary bequest, regardless of whether the property is held directly or by a representative of an elder or dependent adult.”. it is not uncommon for a spouse to spend money or purchase items of which the. Take action and contact us without delay. Personal property is all property other than real estate, such as money, stocks, jewels, etc. Those advocating for the rights and safety of our elder and dependent citizens … (3) Takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains, or assists in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining, real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult by undue influence. impose financial elder abuse liability as to plaintiffs’ first cause of action for. The good news is California has many elder and dependent adult statutes that can be used by criminal prosecutors, civil litigators and those engaged in protective services. Real property is also referred to as real estate. After years of hard work and saving, elders may have significant economic resources, partly in savings and retirement accounts and partly in the value of their homes. All rights reserved. Elder Abuse In California - The Basic Law Recognizing the increasing reported instances of abuse of elderly people, the State of California has passed various statues making such abuse subject to unique criminal and civil liability.  The article discusses how civil actions for elder abuse appear to be on the rise as the aging population in California is growing, and provides an excellent overview of elder abuse in California. To join our platform, email your resume to: [email protected]. California False Claims Act Whistleblower Attorney: … Perpetrators can be family members, trusted professionals, or large financial institutions. California Financial Elder Abuse Attorneys: SEC Senior Guide Helps Seniors Protect Themselves Against Fraud Read More . Filed Under: freelance attorney, freelance lawyer. A civil cause of action exists for financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability as described in subsection (a) of this Section. in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining, real, or personal property of an elder or dependent adult by, entity alleged to have committed financial elder abuse knew or should have known that the conduct at issue was likely to have been, The taking of the property of an elder is not restricted to physically removing property from the elder’s possession. Fighting Financial Elder Abuse In California By Niall P. McCarthy and Eric J. Buescher COTCHETT, PITRE & McCARTHY, LLP Introduction Financial elder abuse cases are on the rise in California. One type of elder financial abuse under California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15600 involves the concept of “undue influence.”. Unfortunately, we cannot do informational phone calls. Site Map. • In order to establish a cause of action for financial elder abuse, the plaintiff must prove that: (1) the victim was a qualifying elderly person within the meaning of the abuse statute [§ 6]; (2) the defendant wrongfully appropriated the victim's property [§§ 7 to 9]; and In California, for instance, a cause of action for elder financial exploitation is defined broadly to include not only those who obtain or misappropriate an elder’s property through fraud or undue influence, but also those individuals and entities who assist such wrongful conduct. 510-486-2800 Financial mismanagement of a client’s brokerage account in the manner … Try freelance legal work, Law Firm Growth During an Uncertain Legal Climate – Part 2: How to Ethically Use Freelance Lawyers & Referral Fees, Congratulations to the 2021 OCWLA Officers & Directors, What You Need to Know Before Investing in Mexican Real Estate, Ethically Working With Contract Lawyers: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid. An Overview of Civil Causes of Action for Elder Abuse in California, Do you actually need a full-time job? Oakland Law Office Map, © 2017 by Dolan Law Firm PC. Oakland Law Office Map, Dolan Law Firm PC 1438 Market Street (Financial Abuse of Elders and Dependent Adults - Non-Caretaker) Theft, embezzlement, forgery, fraud or identity theft with respect to property or personal identifying information of an elder or dependent adult; With knowledge that he or she is an elder or dependent adult; By person not a caretaker of the elder … Per the defendants, since the Children’s Trust is not an individual over age 65, there could be no financial elder abuse claim. Montage provides support solely to attorneys, not end clients. Here is what you need to know, An Interview with SMCTLA’s Treasurer: Kimberly Levy, Assembly Bill 47 Increases Penalties for Distracted Drivers. California law defines elderly people as those who are aged 65 or older. This sample verified complaint for financial elder abuse in California contains a cause of action for financial elder abuse under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30 as well as causes of action for fraud, quiet title, cancellation of written instrument and constructive trust. Elder financial abuse: ... area as the abuser is more likely to result in abuse. Disclaimer | The Pleading Requirements to Assert a Violation of the Elder Abuse Act The Elder Abuse Act makes certain enhanced remedies available to a plaintiff … Writ of attachment; action for damages for financial abuse of elderly and dependent adults Notwithstanding Section 483.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure, an attachment may be issued in any action for damages pursuant to Section 15657.5 for financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult, as defined in Section 15610.30. To read the full article, please visit page 16 of the Riverside Lawyer: An Overview of Civil Causes of Action for Elder Abuse in California. December 16, 2020 in Evans Law Firm. California law protects elders, dependent adults, and developmentally disabled persons from many types of abuse and neglect, including financial fraud. CA Capacity and competency 3. (a) “Financial abuse” of an elder or dependent adult occurs when a person or entity does any of the following: (1) Takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. Blog | Please click here to contact us or call us toll free at 1-888-452-4752. Unless a plaintiff or petitioner files a complaint or other document asserting a cause of action within the applicable limitations period, the filing will be deemed time barred and subject to dismissal. Financial elder abuse occurs when defendant takes advantage of an elder or dependent adult by taking, hiding, appropriating, obtaining or retaining plaintiff’s property or assisted in doing so. Athena Roussos is a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from California State University, Long Beach.  She graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1997, finishing in the top 2% of her class.  In law school, Athena was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honor Society, and was an Associate Editor for the Syracuse Law Review. California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15600 protects elders (anyone 65 year of age or older) and dependent adults from many types of physical abuse and neglect. Under Penal Code 368 PC, California law defines criminal elder abuse as the physical or emotional abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a victim 65 years of age or older. This sample verified complaint for financial elder abuse in California contains a cause of action for financial elder abuse under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30 as well as causes of action for fraud, quiet title, cancellation of written instrument and constructive trust. California False Claims Act Whistleblower Attorney: Mortgage Insurance Fraud And False Claims Against The Government Read More . Abusive actions 2. What Is Elder Financial Abuse Under California Law? Half of all financial exploitation of seniors is committed by strangers, followed by family, friends, and neighbors (34%), the business sector (12%), and Medicare and Medicaid fraud (4%), and costs seniors over $3 billion annually. We represent clients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin, the entire Bay Area and across California. Plus, it must be shown that the person or entity alleged to have committed financial elder abuse knew or should have known that the conduct at issue was likely to have been harmful to the elder or dependent adult. This sample verified complaint for financial elder abuse in California contains a cause of action for financial elder abuse under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30 as well as causes of action for fraud, quiet title, cancellation of written instrument and constructive trust. The action must be completed with the intent to defraud or done with wrongful influence, often in the form of a new will, trust or agreement. (Unfair Business Practice; Deceptive Advertising) Any unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business act or practice; deceptive, false or misleading advertising. Essentially, the laws forbid the lack of care as well as the physical or mental abuse of elderly dependent persons. It is critical to provide the resources that would allow caretakers to better manage their s… Case types 2. Elder financial abuse is both despicable and occurs far too frequently in our society. CA Los Angeles, The elder or dependent adult victim of financial abuse themselves has standing to bring an action under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. The action can be brought in the probate court or the civil court in the jurisdiction of the abused person. The single biggest regret we have seen is family members who have waited, not wanting to cause family disharmony, until it’s too late and the elder is left in a precarious financial or health situation. The attorneys affiliated with Montage Legal Group are independent sole practitioners and do not constitute a law firm among themselves. 213-347-3529 for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. The law provides for the recovery of damages for pain and suffering, economic damages, and punitive damages when there has been recklessness, fraud and/or patient abandonment. Reader Question: Can I Sue A Nursing Home For Neglect & Deficient Care? The Dolan Law Firm is one the leading injury and elder abuse law firms in California. Real property refers to land or structure built on land such as a house. A new case from the Court of Appeal once again illustrates the robust nature of claims under California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, also known as the Elder Abuse Act.. The trial court sustained the demurrers and the … ‘excessive persuasion that causes another person to act or refrain from acting by overcoming that person’s free will and results in inequity,’ and listing factors to be considered in making an undue influence determination under section fiduciary abuse of an elder. California causes of action are subject to various statutes of limitation. The defendants filed demurrers to the Mahan’s financial elder abuse cause of action in the first amended complaint arguing that the real party in interest was the Children’s Trust, which owned the policies and suffered the depravation. 415-421-2800 Use of Montage's services does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Legal Guides | Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. The sample complaint on which this preview is based requests attorney's fees and costs as well as punitive and … 94612  During law school, Athena also externed for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. What Are The Pleading Requirements To Sustain An Elder Abuse Cause of Action in the State of California? Athena Roussos, a freelance lawyer in Montage’s network, published an article in the September issue of the Riverside Lawyer Magazine entitled “An Overview of Civil Causes of Action for Elder Abuse in California.” The article, which is on page 16 of the issue, provides a general summary of civil causes of action for elder abuse, including the types of elder abuse (physical, neglect, and financial), the elements that must be proven, and the relief available. CA Montage will protect the confidentiality of information, but information you provide to Montage may not be afforded legal protection as attorney-client communications. Contact a financial elder abuse attorney the moment you suspect abuse. Enter your email address to receive blog updates via email. 1498 Alice Street San Francisco, The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, and can carry up to 4 years of jail or prison. Financial exploitation means the misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another. Los Angeles Law Office Map, Dolan Law Firm PC Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act 2. Financial elder abuse in California is defined by the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30 which states that, “ (a) “Financial abuse” of an elder or dependent adult occurs when a person or entity does any of the following: If an elderly person in California has been subject to abuse, either physical or financial, the conservator may bring an action under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Caregivers, family members and the residents themselves should look for any evidence of elder abuse and potential issues that could have led to this abuse. Athena has been certified as a specialist in appellate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and has over 15 published opinions.  In addition to her legal practice, Athena was a Commissioner of the California State Bar Appellate Law Advisory Commission from 2010-2013.  She is an Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law, a certified mediator with the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District.  She has also been a Board Member of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento, and an Officer of the Appellate Law Section of the Sacramento County Bar Association. Financial elder abuse occurs when people cheat elderly people out of their money or their property. Dolan Law Firm PC The information provided in this website should not be construed as legal advice. It is important to understand how to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse in order to keep senior citizens safe. The taking of the property of an elder is not restricted to physically removing property from the elder’s possession. 94102 The article discusses how civil actions for elder abuse appear to be on the rise as the aging population in California is growing, and provides an excellent overview of elder … The breadth of predatory practices is staggering. (2) Assists in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. 1498 Alice Street What’s more, the longer you wait to pursue claims, the less likely there will be anything to recover from the abuse. Transmission of information from this website is not intended to create, and its receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship with Montage or any of its individual attorneys or personnel. At the community level, caregivers may knowingly or inadvertently cause social isolation of the elderly. California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15600 protects elders (anyone 65 year of age or older) and dependent adults from many types of physical abuse and neglect. Reader Question: What Should I Ask In Selecting A Nursing Home For My Parent? Crimes of financial abuse against elder or dependent adults are cowardly and despicable acts that are psychologically devastating and destroy independence. 94612 Learn more about the types of abuse from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). An action for damages pursuant to Sections 15657.5 and 15657.6 for financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult, as defined in Section 15610.30, shall be commenced within four years after the plaintiff discovers or, through the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have discovered, the facts constituting the financial abuse. Privacy | 90017 Montage expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this website. What Is Financial Abuse of Elders? occurs when a person or entity does any of the following: personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use, retaining real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult. “Financial abuse” of an elder or dependent adult occurs when a person or entity does any of the following: (1) Takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. Legal Disclaimer: Montage Legal Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation to clients. Freelance attorneys modernizing legal practice. Self-neglect 3. The applicable law provides remedies for abuse to elders and dependent adults. Athena affiliated with Montage Legal Group’s network of freelance attorneys in 2013, and assists law firms with civil rights and appellate projects. The article, which is on page 16 of the issue, provides a general summary of civil causes of action for elder abuse, including the types of elder abuse (physical, neglect, and financial), the elements that must be proven, and the relief available. Under this statute, “financial abuse” of an elder occurs when a person or entity takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both, and knew or should have known the conduct was likely to be harmful. For information about joining the Montage platform, please click here. In California There Are Very Strict Pleading Requirements In Elder Abuse Cause of Actions California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (Welf. When caregivers experience personal issues that create frustration and distress for them, they may feel inclined to take it out on the nursing home resident. Oakland, COVID-19 and Your Employment Rights under FEHA and FFCRA, What is Ascertainment? 510-486-2800 The California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, the “Elder Abuse Act,” protects elders against financial and other abuse “by providing enhanced remedies which encourage private, civil enforcement of laws against elder abuse and neglect.” Elder Abuse Laws (Civil - Private Actions) Code Section Description Penalty; BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE § 17200 et seq. Victims come from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Undue influence F. Judicial System … The law defines taking to include depriving an elder or, including by means of an agreement, donative transfer, or, testamentary bequest, regardless of whether the property is held, directly or by a representative of an elder or dependent adult.”, San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney | Dolan Law Firm, PC, Half of all financial exploitation of seniors. California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15600 protects elders (anyone 65 year of age or older) and dependent adults from many types of physical abuse and neglect. and § 17500 et seq. We represent seniors and families who loved ones were victimized by financial elder abuse. San Francisco Law Office Map, Dolan Law Firm PC 1000 Wilshire Blvd #2150 CA To recover from the National Center on elder abuse 12 D. California’s Approach to Addressing elder abuse of... 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