The Dove Firm PLLC

Financial exploitation of the elderly is a serious problem, with one in twenty older adults victimized each year according to the Department of Justice.  In May of 2017, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney created a new special prosecution team -- the Elder Financial Fraud Unit -- to serve as a community resource addressing the special needs of elderly victims through a program of aggressive prosecution, education and deterrence. The unit consists of two experienced prosecutors, two investigators and one support staff member, all of whom are focused exclusively on financial crimes against the elderly. By the end of 2017, 79 cases were filed. The unit also partnered with Guardianship Services to create the the Financial Exploitation Prevention Center of Tarrant County, whose mission it is to connect Tarrant seniors with the vast network of resources available to them. If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of elder financial fraud, there are resourc...

The theme of the 2017 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to be observed at the United Nations Headquarters on June 15th is “ Understand and End Financial Abuse of Older People: A Human Rights Issue .”  Financial exploitation of the elderly is a common and serious problem, experienced by an estimated 5 to 10 per cent of seniors globally. It is a crime that, for a variety of reasons, often goes unreported. Cognitive and other impairments often limit the ability that older victims have to identify and report financial abuses perpetrated against them. In addition, the perpetrators are often close family members and trusted caregivers, adding an element of shame and embarrassment to an already painful situation.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throws a bright public light on this unfortunate situation, and provides an opportunity for the whole world to voice its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted upon far too many of our senior citizens.

The inevitable course of the aging process often raises a host of emotionally charged issues. These issues have the potential to trigger divisive family disputes no matter how well-intentioned family members may be.  The list of potential issues is a long one — whether to live alone and independently; when and where to move; financial management; and, of course, medical treatment decisions, including end-of-life care issues. The list goes on. Often decisions must be made under stressful, time-pressured conditions, and families can easily be torn apart when disagreements arise.  Mediation can be an effective means of resolving age-related issues without causing undue strain within the family. A mediator is an objective third-party professional trained to facilitate the peaceful resolution of difficult and sensitive issues. Mediation sessions are private, confidential and completely voluntary. Everyone gets a chance to express their interests and concerns in a calm setting...