While it is rarely discussed in the news, the problem of having a person’s estate looted is more common than you may think. Whether it is from unscrupulous investors or greedy relatives, the act of taking things simply because they are there and not accounted for in a will is a problem that plagues many estates.
Additionally, you don’t have to be wealthy and successful to have your estate plundered. People can (and will) nickel and dime an estate if they can get away with it. So while a few hundred dollars here and there may not seem egregious, over time it could add up.
So how do you prevent an estate from being destroyed by the deceitful and devious? This post will provide a few tips.
Check in often – Most people don’t know that their loved ones are being hoodwinked because they don’t know anything about their financial situations until it is too late. Because of this, checking in on them to see about their balance sheet is important.
Be wary of new friends or acquaintances – Most retired or elderly people have friends who they have known for decades, but it is not uncommon for them to gain new friends….if they are the same age and have similar experiences. However, new friends that do not fit a loved one’s profile should be given a high level of scrutiny.
Research their investment portfolios – Make sure that their investment strategy is appropriate for their age and financial goals.
If you have further questions or concerns, an experienced attorney can advise you.