Elder Abuse Services

Resources

We work alongside these organizations regularly and can help you determine which path is right for your situation:

  • A Guide to Preventing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect of Elders and Dependent Adults (California Department of Justice)

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  • Adult Protective Services (APS) in Santa Clara County — for immediate concerns about abuse or neglect

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  • California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) — resources on residential care, elder abuse, and Medi-Cal

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  • Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) — free legal services for Santa Clara County residents age 60 and over

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Elder abuse — whether financial, physical, emotional, or through neglect — is far more common than most families expect. It often goes unrecognized until significant harm has been done, and it frequently involves people the victim knows and trusts: family members, caregivers, financial advisors, or care facilities.

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing elder or dependent adult abuse, we can help you understand your options and take action. We work alongside families, social workers, and protective agencies to connect people with the right combination of legal tools and community resources.

How We Can Help

Consultations and Legal Advice

Sometimes the most important first step is simply talking to an attorney who understands elder law. We offer consultations to help you assess the situation, understand what California law says about elder and dependent adult abuse, and identify the right course of action — whether that involves the courts, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or another path.

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders

California law allows courts to issue Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs) to stop recurring physical, emotional, or financial abuse. These orders can include no-contact provisions, stay-away orders, and move-out orders. We prepare and file EARO petitions and can represent clients at hearings in Santa Clara County.

Conservatorships

When an older adult lacks the capacity to manage their own finances or personal care, a conservatorship may be necessary to protect them. We assist families in establishing conservatorships through the Santa Clara County Superior Court, and can advise on alternatives to conservatorship — such as durable powers of attorney — where they remain available.

Protective Estate Planning

A well-structured estate plan is one of the most effective tools for preventing elder abuse. By carefully choosing fiduciaries, including protective provisions in trust documents, and ensuring that powers of attorney are properly drafted, we help clients build legal safeguards before a crisis occurs.

Referrals to Elder Abuse Litigation Counsel

Civil litigation under California’s Elder and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) can be a powerful tool for making victims whole — but it requires specialized litigation counsel. If your situation calls for a civil lawsuit, we can refer you to experienced elder abuse litigators in the Bay Area who handle these cases. We stay involved as needed to ensure continuity of care for you and your family.

If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact us for a consultation. We’ll listen, help you understand your options, and connect you with the right resources.