Elder law focuses on the unique legal needs of older adults and their families. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility and asset protection, guardianship, estate planning, powers of attorney, and protection against financial exploitation and abuse.
An elder law attorney helps clients plan for the future by ensuring their wishes are respected, their assets are protected, and their care needs are met as they age. Whether it involves creating advance directives, navigating complex benefits programs, or resolving disputes over capacity or guardianship, elder law provides comprehensive guidance and peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.
ELDER ABUSE/FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Elder abuse and financial exploitation are serious and growing concerns that affect vulnerable older adults. Abuse can take many forms — physical, emotional, or neglect — while financial exploitation occurs when someone misuses or takes an elder’s money or property for personal gain. This may include coercing an older person to change a will or power of attorney, misusing joint accounts, or stealing funds or assets.
In Maryland, the SAFE Act strengthens protections against the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and allows advocates like Byrd & Byrd to go after the wrongdoers and to make the person committing the abuse pay up to three times the amount they mismanaged plus our attorneys fees.
Our firm is dedicated to protecting seniors from abuse and exploitation. We help families identify warning signs, take swift legal action to stop ongoing harm, and pursue remedies through civil or criminal processes when necessary. We also assist in preventing exploitation through careful estate and financial planning, the use of trusted powers of attorney, and other protective legal tools.
By addressing these issues promptly and effectively, we help ensure that older adults retain their dignity, independence, and financial security. If you suspect that someone you know is suffering abuse contact one of our attorneys right away.