Our financial abuse solicitors help you protect loved ones from financial harm with compassion and expertise.
Financial abuse can be devastating. It occurs when someone takes advantage of a person’s finances – often targeting the elderly or those unable to manage their own affairs. It might be as straightforward as stealing money or as insidious as manipulating a vulnerable person into changing their will. If you suspect that you or a loved one is a victim of financial abuse, our specialist Financial Abuse Solicitors are here to provide support, expert legal advice, and swift action to safeguard your family’s assets and rights.
Schedule my free consultationWhat is financial abuse?
Financial abuse involves the misuse, theft, or wrongful control of someone’s money, assets or property without their full consent. It can take many forms, including:
- Theft or fraud of funds, unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts, or misuse of bank cards.
- Pressuring someone to transfer property, change their will, or make large gifts.
- Selling assets without permission.
- Misusing a Lasting Power of Attorney or deputyship by spending the person’s money for personal gain
- Emotionally pressuring or manipulating someone into financial decisions they wouldn’t usually make.
Read our guide to financial abuse
Our financial abuse solicitors explain what financial abuse is and the key signs to look out for in this detailed guide.
Read the guide to financial abuseWho is at risk?
While anyone can become a victim of financial abuse, it most commonly affects older adults and individuals who are vulnerable due to circumstances like:
- Age or health issues (particularly cognitive impairments, such as dementia).
- Isolation or the lack of a strong support network.
- A reliance on caregivers, family members, or friends for help.
- A recent bereavement.
What to expect from our financial abuse solicitors
We will advise you whether the claim is likely to succeed and help you to formulate a strategy that protects you and that you are comfortable with in a dispute that may involve close family members.
Our approach includes using alternatives to contested court proceedings including mediation, where appropriate, and not losing sight of the emotional impact the involvement of lawyers can have at such a difficult time.
If you have a dispute or disagreement, or are concerned that one might arise, our expert financial abuse solicitors will guide you. We can also work with you to avoid such issues arising in the future.
We offer a free initial consultation, which can take place online, by phone or in one of our conveniently-located offices throughout the UK.
Book my free consultationWe serve clients across the UK and internationally from our offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham
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Why choose Weightmans?
- Ranked in the UK’s leading legal directories, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.
- Members of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists.
- Members of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
- Members of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
- Members of Resolution.
Funding options
We understand that legal costs can be a worry. Depending on your case, you may be eligible for:
- Fixed fee payments at different stages of your case
- Conditional fee agreements (no win, no fee)
- Third-party litigation funding
We will always provide completely transparent estimates on costs and will be happy to discuss funding options with you during a free consultation.
Our financial abuse solicitors
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What are the time limits for bringing a financial abuse claim?
A financial abuse claim usually has to be brought within six years of the abuse occurring. However, this can sometimes be extended if the abuse only comes to light at a later date.
You should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
What are the warning signs of financial abuse?
Indications that a loved one is subject to financial abuse can often include:
- unexpected payments/withdrawals from bank accounts
- items of value going missing from the person's home
- bills going unpaid, despite the person having funds to pay them
- sudden and unexpected changes to a will
- the person becoming isolated from family and friends
Is financial abuse a criminal offence?
Yes, under the Fraud Act 2006, it is a criminal offence to take advantage of a position of trust for financial gain. Coercive and controlling behaviour can also be a criminal offence.
How long does it take to resolve a financial abuse claim?
The length of time it takes to resolve a financial abuse claim will depend on the complexity of the case.
Investigations of documents can normally be completed within six months. After that, if a case is able to be resolved by negotiation, it can normally be concluded within six months.
However, if the courts are needed to recover lost funds, the process can often take around three years.
Can legal action be brought after the victim has passed away?
Yes, it is possible to bring a claim after the victim has died if you believe a loved one was financially abused. Our financial abuse solicitors will be able to discuss the merits of your case with you.
What evidence will I need to provide?
To demonstrate that financial abuse took place, you will need to demonstrate that funds were stolen and that emotional manipulation took place.
Documents to prove that might include:
- Financial records, such as bank statements
- Any correspondence that demonstrates coercion or manipulation
- Assessments that demonstrate that the victim did not have capacity to make decisions.
