Delaware County Elder Law & Financial Exploitation Attorney
Protecting Seniors From Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Harm
At Chauncey Law, we are dedicated to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community—our seniors. Elderly individuals are increasingly targeted for financial exploitation, undue influence, and neglect. These situations often arise quietly and progressively, leaving families feeling helpless or unsure where to turn.
What is Elder Financial Exploitation?
Our practice is built on compassion, respect, and unwavering advocacy. We understand how deeply emotional these cases can be, especially when the harm is caused by someone the senior trusts: a caregiver, family member, neighbor, or financial professional. We provide skilled legal representation to stop the exploitation, safeguard assets, and ensure your loved one receives the care, dignity, and protection they deserve.
Misuse of a Power of Attorney
Pressure to change a will or estate plan
Manipulation by caregivers, relatives, or acquaintances
Unauthorized withdrawals or transfers
Theft of assets or valuables
Fraudulent contracts or financial schemes
Our Elder Law & Financial Exploitation Services
Comprehensive legal representation to protect seniors from financial abuse, recover stolen assets, and ensure your loved one’s safety and dignity throughout Delaware County and Pennsylvania.
Financial Exploitation Investigations
We conduct thorough investigations to identify how the exploitation occurred, who is responsible, and what steps must be taken to recover assets and prevent further harm. This may involve obtaining financial records, interviewing witnesses, and working with professionals to trace missing funds.
Estate & Asset Protection
We help seniors and their families safeguard their property through proactive estate planning, including wills and trusts, asset protection plans, guardianship and conservatorship when needed, and long-term care planning. Our approach is preventative and protective—ensuring seniors maintain autonomy while reducing the risk of future exploitation.
Representation in Adult Protective Services (APS) Proceedings
When Adult Protective Services becomes involved, often through the County Offices for Services of the Aging (COSA), families often feel overwhelmed and confused by the process. We guide clients through APS investigations, hearings, safety plans, and protective orders to ensure the senior’s rights and wishes are respected.
Will Contests & Estate Litigation
When a will has been changed due to undue influence, coercion, manipulation, or diminished capacity, legal intervention may be necessary. We represent clients in will contests and Orphans’ Court litigation in Delaware County to challenge invalid estate documents and protect rightful heirs.
Power of Attorney Disputes
Power of Attorney (POA) abuse is one of the most common forms of elder financial exploitation. We represent families in disputes involving misuse or overreach by an agent, breach of fiduciary duty, challenges to POA validity, and removal of an unfit or abusive agent. Our goal is to protect the senior and restore control to someone who will act responsibly and ethically.
Trusted Elder Law Representation in Delaware County
At Chauncey Law, we practice elder law with a deep understanding of both the legal and human aspects of these cases. Families trust us because we provide:
Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Representation
Elder exploitation is not just a financial matter—it is a violation of trust. We handle every case with sensitivity, patience, and respect.
Holistic Protection for Seniors
We work to protect the whole person: their finances, their physical safety, their emotional wellbeing, and their independence.
Strategic, Skilled Legal Advocacy
We know how to identify exploitation, document it, and build strong cases that stand up in court. Our experience includes complex civil litigation, guardianship matters, and fiduciary disputes.
Clear Communication & Guidance
We help families understand their options, the steps in the legal process, and the strategies available to protect their loved one
Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Law & Financial Exploitation
When a senior you love may be at risk of financial abuse or neglect, you’re often left with more questions than answers. These frequently asked questions are designed to help you understand the basics, recognize warning signs, and see what options may be available to protect your loved one.
What is elder financial exploitation?
Elder financial exploitation occurs when someone improperly or illegally uses an older adult’s money, assets, or property.
This can include:
• Theft or stealing cash or property
• Misuse of a Power of Attorney
• Manipulation, coercion, or pressure to sign documents
• Fraud, scams, or deceptive financial schemes
If you suspect exploitation, it is important to consult an experienced elder financial exploitation attorney as soon as possible so that the harm can be stopped and the senior’s rights and assets can be protected.
What are the warning signs of financial abuse or exploitation?
Some common warning signs of elder financial abuse or exploitation include:
• Sudden, unexplained withdrawals or transfers
• New names appearing on bank accounts or property titles
• Changes to a will, deed, or Power of Attorney that seem out of character
• New “friends” or caregivers who appear overly involved in financial decisions
• Unpaid bills, utilities, or medical expenses despite adequate income or savings
• A senior who appears confused, fearful, or secretive about money
• Missing property, valuables, or important financial documents
If you notice any of these red flags, Chauncey Law can help investigate what is happening and advise you on next steps to protect your loved one.
What should I do if I believe my elderly parent is being exploited?
If you believe your elderly parent or loved one is being exploited, it is important to act quickly. Elder exploitation often escalates over time. Helpful steps may include:
• Contacting an elder law and financial exploitation attorney
• Gathering bank statements, account records, and relevant documents
• Talking with trusted family members or professionals who may have observed changes
• Reporting concerns to Adult Protective Services (APS), if appropriate
At Chauncey Law, we can guide you through this process, communicate with APS or other agencies when needed, and take legal action to protect your loved one and their assets.
Can a Power of Attorney be challenged or revoked?
Yes. A Power of Attorney (POA) can be challenged or revoked if the agent is abusing their authority, breaching their fiduciary duties, or acting against the senior’s best interests.
Depending on the situation, the court may:
• Remove the agent
• Revoke the Power of Attorney
• Appoint a guardian or conservator
• Require a full accounting of how funds were used
Chauncey Law frequently represents families in Power of Attorney disputes. We work to stop ongoing abuse, hold the agent accountable, and restore protection and control to someone who will act responsibly.
How does Adult Protective Services (APS) get involved?
Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. A report can be made by family, neighbors, medical providers, banks, or other concerned individuals.
APS may:
• Interview the senior and other involved parties
• Review medical, financial, or care records
• Develop a safety plan or recommend services
• Coordinate with law enforcement or the courts when necessary
APS proceedings can feel intimidating and confusing, especially for families already in crisis. Chauncey Law provides representation and support during APS investigations and hearings to ensure the senior’s rights, wishes, and safety are prioritized.
What is undue influence, and how does it affect seniors?
Undue influence occurs when someone exerts pressure or control over a senior to manipulate their decisions. This often leads to changes in:
• Wills and estate plans
• Powers of Attorney
• Beneficiary designations
• Property titles or deeds
Seniors who are isolated, dependent on caregivers, or experiencing cognitive decline are especially vulnerable. Undue influence may not involve physical force, but it can completely override the senior’s true wishes.
If you believe your loved one was pressured or manipulated into changing their estate plan, you may have grounds for a will contest or other legal action. We can review the circumstances and advise you on how to move forward.
Can stolen or misused assets be recovered?
In many cases, misused or stolen assets can be recovered, at least in part. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of the case, and may involve:
• Civil litigation against the person who took or misused the funds
• Removal of a fiduciary, such as an agent under Power of Attorney or trustee
• Court-ordered accountings and restitution
• Coordinating with law enforcement or APS in serious cases
At Chauncey Law, we conduct detailed financial exploitation investigations to trace assets, identify what happened, and pursue recovery whenever possible.
When should a family consider guardianship or conservatorship?
Families may need to consider guardianship or conservatorship when:
• A senior can no longer safely manage their finances or personal decisions
• There is no reliable Power of Attorney in place
• The current agent under Power of Attorney is abusing their authority
• The senior is at ongoing risk of exploitation, neglect, or self-harm
Guardianship provides legal oversight and protection, allowing a court-appointed guardian to make decisions in the senior’s best interest. These cases are sensitive and impactful, and we work carefully with families to determine whether guardianship is necessary and, if so, how to structure it to respect the senior’s dignity and autonomy as much as possible.
How can families prevent financial exploitation before it happens?
While no plan can remove all risk, proactive planning can significantly reduce the chances of financial exploitation. Helpful strategies include:
• Creating a trustworthy, clearly drafted Power of Attorney
• Establishing wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents
• Using checks and balances, such as co-agents or regular account reviews
• Choosing caregivers and professionals carefully
• Involving trusted family members in financial oversight
• Working with an elder law attorney to create a strong asset protection plan
Chauncey Law helps families design plans that protect seniors, promote transparency, and support long-term financial security.
How can Chauncey Law help if my family is already in crisis?
If your family is already in crisis, you do not have to navigate this alone. Chauncey Law offers calm, compassionate guidance and focused legal advocacy. Depending on your situation, we may:
• Take immediate steps to stop ongoing financial exploitation
• Represent the senior or family in Adult Protective Services proceedings
• Pursue asset protection and recovery through the courts
• Litigate Power of Attorney abuse, guardianship, or estate disputes
• Coordinate with other professionals to support the senior’s overall well-being
Our goal is to protect your loved one’s dignity, safety, and financial future while giving your family clear direction in a very difficult time.
Contact Chauncey Law
You are not alone. Your loved one deserves protection.
If you suspect your elderly parent, relative, or loved one is being financially exploited or mistreated, it is important to act quickly. Early intervention can prevent further loss and protect the senior from ongoing harm. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable elder law and financial exploitation attorney in Delaware County.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation.