A new and very insidious form of graft has arisen in Maine — the exploitation of Maine’s elderly. If you or an elderly person you know is transferring property and money to seemingly “helpful” family members or other acquaintance, there may very well be a problem. Regardless of whether the perpetrator purports to have a valid power or attorney or is simply forcing transfers, improvident transfers, as they are known, are an epidemic that we have experience in setting right. Our Maine elder law attorneys will work hard to have property and money returned to their rightful owners by those seeking to convert their assets for their own personal gain.
The actual transfer of money and property from an elderly person by and to a questionable recipient is, unfortunately, only one variant in the game of graft undertaken by unscrupulous and self-serving “family and friends” of an elder. The other manner consists of directing the elder person to rearrange their estate planning for the sole benefit of the conniving family member or friend. We see it all too often when the family member or friend resurfaces following the death of your loved one with a will or other such writing purporting to leave all of the estate to them alone.
Conversely, our experience in dealing with those who unilaterally deem themselves entitled to the estate of a decedent also informs our approach to estate planning for those who want to make sure their estate planning is iron clad and can rebut an attack after their passing. If you are seeking to disinherit an undeserving family member you will want our wise counsel in making sure that your wishes are upheld and honored.