After recovering more than $3 million from elder abuse victims in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), seniors are being asked to seek free legal advice.
According to Legal Aid NSW, elder abuse takes many forms, but the most common is ‘grandma’s apartment’, where the elderly gave large sums of money to children in exchange for a promise to look after them. about it.
Verbal or simple written consent may be weighed in favor of the child.
Mary Lovelock, senior attorney for Elder Abuse Services at Legal Aid, said on Monday, “Several clients have come to us with this issue of homelessness at risk.
“It can cause significant financial and psychological stress for already vulnerable people.”
Lovelock has also seen financial abuse including money misappropriated under a power of attorney, unpaid loans, and debt fraudulently made in the senior’s name.
Elder abuse can be difficult to identify, so Lovelock said it’s essential to consult a lawyer to understand the rights of older people.
“We have helped hundreds of seniors get their money back and defend their rights. We are here to support you. Confidential under professional privilege.
Legal Aid NSW collected $1.9 million from clients in the year to June 2022 amid a 20% surge in seniors seeking help.
Over the same period, more than 100 Victorian seniors received a total of $1.5 million after seeking free assistance from Seniors Rights Victoria.
In one case, the apartment occupied by a 77-year-old woman’s grandmother collapsed, forcing her son and wife to separate and sell the house they shared.
The family’s foresight in documenting the agreement ensured her initial donation of $350,000 was returned.
But with legal advice, the mother could have shared in the increase in the home’s value, Senior Rights Victoria said.
A July University of New South Wales report found that the majority of reported elder abuse cases actually relate to domestic and domestic violence, with victims often disclosing the abuse. I hesitated.
Legal Aid NSW encouraged seniors to contact Elder Abuse Services or consult an attorney at the 2023 Senior Festival Expo on February 2nd and 3rd.
A senior citizen’s diary containing important tips on planning a will and other common legal issues will be distributed free of charge at the exposition.
Victorians can call or visit the Seniors Rights Victoria website. Queensland residents, on the other hand, can contact their local legal center or local chapter of Relationships Australia Queensland.
1800 Respect (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.