Signs of Undue Influence
Estate Litigation Appeals Lawyer
Cases of elder mistreatment and undue influence are far too common, and this is especially true for those who have a physical or mental condition that impairs their function. Undue influence is a prevalent reason why estates are disputed in court. Senior adults are vulnerable to manipulation from those who don’t have their best of interest at heart. Friends, relatives, neighbors, or other individuals may take advantage of an elderly person for personal benefit.
As someone who has an elderly loved one, you must keep an eye out for these signs of undue influence, and if you see it happening, it’s important to intervene right away by recruiting a lawyer to assist.
What is undue influence?
The definition of undue influence is unwanted or excessive persuasion that violates a person’s sense of free will, that forces them to refrain from acting, or acting on something they wouldn’t have otherwise. Devastatingly, many seniors don’t realize this is happening to them, and may make choices that are detrimental to their legacy and financial future, while the offender profits.
How can you tell undue influence is happening?
If you are a concerned party close to the senior person, there are signs you can watch out for that may mean undue influence is happening. This task can be difficult if the senior person has begun to trust the offender, bringing them into their social circle and involving them in their personal lives. Undue influence red flags are listed as follows:
- The individual has influenced the elderly person into being more reclusive, isolating, or relocating entirely.
- The senior person has begun to trust and rely on the offending individual in handling their estate and financial matters.
- There are several financial transactions that the elderly person doesn’t remember or cannot explain doing.
- The senior person has made choices that are in conflict of their true nature, personality, or wishes.
- Estate documents have recently been changed or altered in a way that disadvantages originally named beneficiaries.