California is anticipated to pass three new bills that would strengthen elder abuse laws in the state. Among other things, the definition of undue influence would be updated as it relates to financial elder abuse. Notary Publics are now required to report suspected financial elder abuse when they identify it. These new requirements are meant to strengthen laws that protect vulnerable senior citizens from financial elder abuse. Oakland financial elder abuse attorneys say that these new laws are a welcome tool that will help combat financial fraud against the elderly.
Recently, California regulators have been accused of disregarding or ignoring complaints of elder abuse. According to a report issued by the Center for Investigative Reporting, in 2009 the California Department of Public Health ordered it’s investigators to dismiss about 1,000 complaints regarding financial elder abuse and theft. What this means is that those 1,000 complaints may have been closed without investigation. Oakland financial elder abuse attorneys say that every complaint of financial elder abuse and neglect deserves to be investigated.