Financial abuse involves controlling or restricting someone's access to money or financial resources, often to gain power or control over them, or for financial gain. It can include actions like withholding funds, forcing someone to take out loans, or misusing their assets. Recognising these signs is crucial for early intervention.

Indicators of financial abuse may include:

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts

• Sudden changes in financial behaviour or control over finances

• Unusual changes to a will or the making of a lasting power of attorney

• Unpaid bills

• The accrual of unknown debts

• Isolation from family and friends to control financial decisions.

Identifying these signs can help in seeking timely legal advice.

In a civil claim the court encourages, and can force parties, into considering settlement through alternative dispute resolution. Claims vary significantly in length but can take approximately 8 – 10 months to get to a trial from the point of issuing. If a claim does not settle, then it would go to a trial and if a party has provided witness evidence in the claim they would need to attend court for the trial.

Yes, the abuser could be charged with a criminal offence. Alongside this, a civil claim can be pursued to seek repayment of any misappropriated funds or other relief.

If you suspect financial abuse, consider:

• Gathering evidence of unusual financial transactions

• Seeking confidential legal advice promptly

• Informing any financial institutions such as the bank

• Reporting it to the police

• Informing social services if appropriate to do so.

A solicitor can advise upon and pursue a claim against the abuser, for the misappropriation of the funds or assets. This could include an injunction to freeze assets, reversing a transaction such as a property transfer, or seeking an order for repayment of funds.