By Kent Berk on June 12th, 2025 in Elder Law, FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION, Vulnerable Adults
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a solemn reminder of the silent suffering endured by far too many older adults. At Berk Law Group, we pause to recognize this important day because elder abuse isn’t just a statistic or headline. It’s personal. It affects real people—our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and clients.
Elder abuse takes many forms:
It can be physical, emotional, financial, or even neglect. Unfortunately, in our probate, trust, and estate litigation practice, we see the devastating effects of elder abuse all too often. We represent family members trying to protect their loved ones, and sometimes we represent elders who have been manipulated, isolated, or defrauded by those they once trusted most.
Why it matters to us:
We are deeply committed to helping people navigate these painful and complex situations. Litigation is not just about resolving legal disputes—it’s about shining a light on wrongdoing, restoring dignity, and safeguarding the vulnerable. We believe that everyone deserves to age with respect and security.
What you can do:
- Be aware of the warning signs: sudden changes in behavior or finances, isolation, poor hygiene, or unexplained injuries.
- Check in on older adults in your life, especially those who may be isolated or dependent on others for care.
- Speak up if something doesn’t seem right. In Arizona, anyone can report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS).
Watch our video to learn more about how to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable adults:
How we help:
Our team is experienced in addressing elder abuse in the context of probate and estate matters. Whether it involves contesting a suspicious will, recovering misappropriated funds, or removing an unfit fiduciary, we act with compassion and determination to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Together, we can make a difference:
Raising awareness is just the beginning. If you believe that an elderly loved one is being abused or taken advantage of, you are not alone. Report it to law enforcement. And we are here to help. Learn more about how we support clients facing elder abuse issues.
