From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Elder Financial Scam Allegedly Left No Estate Money

Most Recently Updated July 16, 2018. 

“When my father became very ill two years ago, we hired a full-time caretaker to help him. We live in California and my father lived in Philadelphia, so we could not be there at all times. At his death, we were shocked to find out that his will was changed, and the caretaker was the executor. She says all his money was spent on medical care, but that is impossible. We are now being told we are the heirs, but there is no money. I suspect she has stolen his money. What can I do?”

Elder Financial Scam Allegedly Left No Estate Money

Elder Financial Scam Allegedly Left No Estate Money

You have a few options. If the will has been filed and accepted by the Register, you could appeal the validity of the will to the Philadelphia Orphans’ Court. I would need to know more before I could tell you if that is a wise decision.

The other option is to demand to get all the records from your father’s accounts for the last two years. It is a slow process, but we could demand discovery for you through the Orphans’ Court and obtain copies of all statements, transfers and checks. Money always leaves a trail, and we can find out if your father’s money was truly spent on his care or if it was funneled into the caregiver’s accounts. Speed is necessary, as if she spends the money and has no other assets, there will be nothing to recover!

Further Will Contest Questions?

Concerns about elder scams is one part of the Will Contest process. By all means, if you want to learn more, please read my more detailed article, Will Contests and Will Challenges All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Elder Financial Scam Allegedly Left No Estate Money

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining your options regarding elderly scams and contests to wills. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Will Contest Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Will Contest Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to put our 25 years of estate litigation experience to work for you.

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