Financial Abuse Claims
Solicitors for Financial Abuse, Fraud, or Exploitation of a Vulnerable Person
When someone is placed in a position of trust to manage another person’s finances, that role comes with strict legal duties. Sadly, financial abuse, whether deliberate or through ignorance of the law, remains an increasing concern, particularly for the elderly or those who lack mental capacity. It can involve stolen funds, improper gifts, or misuse of a Power of Attorney.

At Lupton Fawcett, we understand how distressing and isolating these situations can be. Whether you are worried about a vulnerable loved one, seeking answers about missing assets, or have concerns over the actions of an attorney or deputy, our expert solicitors are here to support you. We offer calm, practical guidance and a robust legal strategy to protect your interests and restore what may have been lost.
If you suspect financial abuse or are facing accusations yourself, it’s important to act quickly. Call us today or complete the enquiry form below to speak in confidence with one of our specialists.
Why choose Lupton Fawcett?
At Lupton Fawcett, our specialist team has decades of experience in handling complex financial abuse claims involving vulnerable individuals. Recognised across Yorkshire and nationwide for our expertise in estate, trust and inheritance disputes, we are frequently instructed in cases requiring urgent intervention, asset recovery, or representation in the Court of Protection or High Court.
Our team is led by Sam Hirst and Kate Saunders, two of the region’s most respected contentious probate lawyers. Sam, a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors (ACTAPS), is known for his strategic insight and practical, sensitive handling of contentious estate matters. Kate brings a wealth of experience in attorney and deputyship disputes, particularly those involving high-value estates or deteriorating family relationships. From our offices in Leeds, Sheffield and York, we represent clients throughout England and Wales. Whether you need emergency legal action or long-term support, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you resolve the matter with care, efficiency and strength.
“Sam (Hirst) represented me and my family in connection with some issues with my late fathers estate. We found Sam to be a good listener and could rely on her to come up with solutions to resolve the issues we faced, she was professional and reassuring at all times. Sam made a very hard time much easier to deal with and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar situation.”
“From my very first contact with Kate she was personable, warm and reassuring whilst being completely professional. She was a very safe pair of hands in extremely choppy waters. The experience was profoundly challenging and I needed the knowledgeable support from Kate which I received unfalteringly always with empathy and humanity. I highly recommend her.”
“I strongly recommend and can provide references to anyone thinking of hiring Sam (Hirst) to help navigate a probate / family dispute. She is calm, expert and always on point. She is a complete star of a solicitor and I cannot recommend her more highly. Very satisfied clients”
“I have known Kate Saunders who worked with IDR Law, for 5 years after my late husband passed away. Even though she is now with Lupton Fawcett, I followed her to her new company. She is not just a lawyer, she educated me about litigation law and really made sure she understood my difficult situation. Kate is very helpful and has a kind heart. Kate has a very high level of expertise and lots of experience. So wherever Kate is, I will always follow her.”
“I highly recommend Sam (Hirst) for conduct of family inheritance / property disputes. We would have been lost without her calm and wise manner. It is obvious from the get go that she is used to dealing with contested matters between relatives. Sam’s expertise and practical approach was both reassuring and effective to achieve the resolution that was in the best interests of everyone. She was also 100% accurate with her costs estimate! Very happy client, thank you Sam!”
“Kate is efficient, pragmatic and sensitive to the needs of her clients and the idiosyncrasies of opponents. It is the perfect combination for contentious trusts and probate work. She is exceedingly warm and friendly. This not only makes her easy to work with in a team, but frequently disarms opponents and leads to achieving great results for her clients.”
“Sam (Hirst) is one of the best probate dispute lawyers I have ever come across. Sam’s ability to calmly stride through complex legal and family issues – is a rare talent. She is also responsive, caring and cost aware at all time. A superb mix and I was very lucky to find her for my client.”
“I can confidently recommend Kate Saunders for dealing with litigation in trust disputes. She assisted me in my claim against a fellow trustee for not co-operating in administering the Trust. Kate’s expertise enabled an efficient conclusion with the Court. Kate has a sharp mind and was able to clearly establish the lagal principles and advise on the best course of action to obtain the outcome I needed.”
Common Types of Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can take many forms, but what they all have in common is the misuse of someone’s money or property, often by a person in a position of trust. These situations frequently arise where the individual is elderly, mentally incapacitated, or otherwise reliant on others for support. The abuse may occur during the person’s lifetime or only become apparent after their death, often uncovered when reviewing their estate.
Examples of financial abuse we regularly advise on include:
We regularly act in cases involving disputed deputyship applications, objections to Lasting Powers of Attorney, and challenges to decisions made by those entrusted to act. Whether you’re concerned about capacity, financial mismanagement, or believe someone is acting against a loved one’s best interests, we can help you bring or respond to an application in the Court of Protection.
Large or unusual gifts made by a vulnerable person, such as transferring a house or large cash sums, can raise serious concerns. Where gifts are made under pressure, without full understanding, or without legal capacity, they may be challenged and potentially reversed.
Sudden changes to a Will or the reorganisation of financial assets may be a sign of undue influence or coercion, especially if done shortly before death or in circumstances where the individual lacked capacity.
This includes situations where money or property is taken outright, bank cards used without consent, or accounts drained under false pretences. These matters often require urgent legal intervention and asset tracing.
Vulnerable adults can be targeted for their wealth. We handle claims involving coerced marriages, inappropriate romantic relationships, and suspicious financial transactions during a time of dependency or isolation. If you are concerned about any of these scenarios, or something simply doesn’t feel right, we can help assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. Many cases involve subtle forms of influence or exploitation that only emerge through proper investigation.
How We Can Help With Financial Abuse Claims
At Lupton Fawcett, we provide clear, proactive legal advice and representation to help individuals and families affected by financial abuse recover what has been lost and secure justice. We also support attorneys and deputies accused of financial wrongdoing, ensuring that any claims are fairly and thoroughly addressed.
We are regularly instructed in complex, sensitive cases involving:
Where abuse is suspected and the vulnerable person is still alive, we can investigate, seek protective orders, and apply to the Court of Protection to remove or replace attorneys or deputies. In urgent cases, we can apply for freezing orders to prevent the dissipation of assets.
If concerns arise after someone’s death, we work with executors and beneficiaries to investigate transactions, trace missing assets, and challenge improper gifts or Will changes. Our team has the litigation expertise to bring proceedings in the High Court where necessary.
Using legal remedies such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or breach of fiduciary duty, we pursue claims to reverse gifts or recover misused funds. Where successful, these assets are returned to the estate or the rightful beneficiary.
Working alongside experienced medical professionals and forensic accountants, we help build robust cases involving mental capacity, financial mismanagement, and breach of trust.
Whether you are a concerned relative, a solicitor appointed as attorney, or a deputy under scrutiny, we provide expert advice on your legal position, duties, and rights.
Our team understands the emotional toll financial abuse takes on families. That’s why we provide not only strategic legal support but also empathetic, confidential guidance at every stage. We tailor our advice to your circumstances and aim to resolve matters swiftly and constructively where possible, but are fully prepared to litigate where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Abuse Claims
Common claimable abuses include unauthorised withdrawals or transfers, misuse of a Power of Attorney, coercive gifting, theft, or improper spending of funds by deputies, attorneys, or trusted individuals. Even if a transaction appears voluntary on paper, it may still be challenged if there was undue influence, lack of capacity, or a breach of fiduciary duty.
Yes. If concerns arise after a person’s death, particularly where assets appear missing or depleted, those administering the estate, or beneficiaries, may be able to bring a claim. Our solicitors can assist in investigating transactions and, where appropriate, take legal steps to recover assets for the estate.
Common indicators include sudden or unexplained changes to financial arrangements, missing valuables, unpaid bills despite sufficient means, unexpected changes to a Will, or a person becoming unusually isolated from friends and family.
While there is no single rule, most claims must be brought within six years of the abuse, or within a shorter period if property or probate proceedings are involved. In some circumstances, especially where fraud is involved or the abuse only came to light recently, courts may allow additional time. It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
The Court of Protection can remove or replace attorneys and deputies suspected of financial abuse, appoint independent professionals, and authorise investigations. In some cases, we may also seek emergency injunctions to freeze assets and prevent further loss.
Useful evidence includes bank statements, financial records, correspondence, witness accounts, and documents showing suspicious transactions or pressure tactics. We can also help obtain expert capacity assessments, forensic accountancy reports, and information from third parties such as financial institutions or care providers to support your case.
If you have concerns but lack full information, it is still important to seek legal advice. Our solicitors can help you gather evidence, work with the Office of the Public Guardian, and if necessary, apply to court for access to financial records and other remedies.
Contact our Financial Abuse Solicitors Today
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be the victim of financial abuse, or if you have questions about suspicious transactions or misuse of authority, we are here to help. Speaking to a specialist solicitor at an early stage can make all the difference in preserving assets and protecting vulnerable individuals.
At Lupton Fawcett, our experienced Financial Abuse Solicitors are trusted by families and professionals across Yorkshire and beyond. Whether the abuse took place under a Power of Attorney, Deputyship, or through informal arrangements, we will provide you with clear, practical advice and strong representation to help you put things right.
We are based in Leeds, Sheffield, and York and regularly act for clients across the region and throughout England and Wales. We also advise families for Financial Abuse Claims in Bradford, Harrogate, Doncaster, and Wakefield with a strong record in handling complex and high-value financial abuse claims. To arrange a confidential consultation, call us, email us, or complete the enquiry form below. We will respond promptly and are ready to assist.
“Lupton Fawcett go to great lengths to explain the legal framework surrounding the issue in question, including the pitfalls, and then work with you to agree a strategy to achieve a satisfactory outcome.”
The Legal 500