Claire-Marie Cornford
Partner and Head of International Private Wealth
Financial abuse
Financial abuse is when someone takes financial advantage of a person who may be vulnerable, or who’s lost capacity to manage their own money. It can take the form of stealing money or property, committing fraud, or pressuring someone to give them control of their finances.
Understanding financial abuse
Financial abuse can happen to anyone. It can take the form of someone trying to force or convince you (or someone else) to:
- Transfer ownership of property
- Change a will, or write a new one
- Make them a Lasting Power of Attorney
They could also be:
- Taking control of a trust or bank account that isn’t theirs
- Taking money from a vulnerable person without them knowing
- Taking money or assets from a trust without permission and in breach of their responsibilities
- Charging unnecessary expenses as an attorney, deputy, or trustee, or using the money of the person they're responsible for as if it were their own.
Speak to our experts
We have the largest private client team in the UK, our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
What legal help can I get with financial abuse?
Our expert solicitors will start with a forensic investigation, reviewing bank statements and other relevant documents, and attempting to trace and recover assets (including those held overseas).
We’ll apply to the Court of Protection for a capacity assessment, and work to get the person who’s abused their position removed and replaced.
We’ll help you build your claim, and represent you at any court hearings. And we can apply to the court to undo any transactions or return any property you have lost.
Specialist Legal Advice
Our experts are here to provide discreet legal support for you and your family. Please complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
0330 1233 882
Understanding financial abuse
As well as fraud, the court can find someone guilty of the offences of:
Undue influence
Pressuring someone to do something they wouldn’t normally do. This can look like threatening them, or wearing them down over time.
Fraudulent calumny
When someone “poisons” someone's mind against another person, potentially using false information, often with the aim of cutting them out of a will.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your case can be settled through negotiation, you will likely only have to pay solicitors’ fees (ours are here). We can support you through the mediation process. If you can’t and have to go to court, the court will decide how costs will be paid.
What you need to know about working with us
These are our promises to you.- 01Transparency
You’ll get clear, honest advice that makes sense to you. No complicated jargon, no beating around the bush.
- 02Proactivity
You’ll never have to chase us to see how things are progressing – we’ll always keep you updated.
- 03Specialist knowledge
Your case will be handled by a true specialist in their field, bringing you the thorough, expert knowledge your situation deserves.
- 04Priority
Your needs come first. Each individual case is different, and we’ll always tailor our approach to your unique needs.
- 05Accreditation
Our award-winning legal service is recognised by independent legal guides, so you know you’re in safe hands.
- 06Fairness
At the heart of everything we do is a belief in fair and equal treatment for all. It’s what we’re fighting for.
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