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Financial Elder Abuse andProbate Investigationsin Austin, Texas
Estate and probate attorneys in Austin and across Central Texas turn to Sage Investigations when a client's assets are being drained by a caregiver, a controlling sibling, or someone holding power of attorney. We combine forensic accounting, our proprietary DIO technology, and licensed investigators to document financial elder abuse and protect the estate.
The role
Stopping financial elder abuse
Attorneys who specialize in estate and probate often encounter clients controlled by an assertive sibling with power of attorney, or by a commanding caregiver. In some cases the controlling person is dissipating assets for personal gain and stealing from other siblings. Sage uses forensic accounting and DIO to analyze bank records and asset-sale transactions and to show what is happening to the money.
How we work
Financial investigation and asset analysis
When you need to know what an elderly client actually owns and where it went, Sage inventories liquid assets (cash, bank, and brokerage accounts) and valuable physical assets. We can consult on circumstances that could lead to theft or abuse, and we can run background checks on caregivers to see whether they have a pattern of exerting undue influence on other elderly people. We will:
- Provide an inventory of assets and values
- Prepare a list of assets and liabilities
- Perform background investigations of caregivers
- Give counsel actionable information for legal action
When a matter requires it, we also provide physical surveillance to document a caregiver's conduct, and TSCM (bug sweeps) through a licensed specialist. Asset searches draw on knowledge gained as IRS Special Agents.
Once retained by counsel, we work under the attorney work product privilege.
Results
Representative results
Misuse of more than $500,000 from an estate
Sage was hired to investigate alleged misuse of more than $500,000 from the estate of a client's mother and father by a brother who was executor. After the brother died, and after Martin rendered a report, the brother's spouse agreed to settle with the client and repaid the funds.
Will contest and Midland oil and gas properties
Sage was hired by an individual who had been disinherited by his mother in favor of his sister. Martin organized records, interviewed witnesses, created a timeline, and introduced the client to attorneys. Suit was filed to contest the will, and the information was used in mediation. At the end of mediation the client received his portion of the estate, including oil and gas properties in the Midland, Texas area.
Caregiver undue influence: assets placed in a family trust
An elderly woman bought her caregiver a new car, and the caregiver used undue influence to keep jewelry in the house rather than in a safe deposit box. Sage assisted the woman's attorney with a trust, surveilled the caregiver, and held power of attorney to change the locks after the woman's death so the caregiver could not enter. The result: the elderly woman's assets were placed in a trust controlled by her adult children. If you are the adult child of an elderly parent and see similar warning signs, call 512-659-3179.
How is Sage different from other agencies in probate work?
Sage is a licensed private investigative firm with financial investigators. We investigate sensitive, confidential matters and render an objective, written report of findings.
When should an estate or probate attorney bring you in?
As early as possible. Early involvement means more transactions can be traced and more of the estate protected, and it helps shape discovery.
Do you work under attorney work product?
Yes, once counsel retains us.
How do you charge?
Rates vary by the type of case. We require a retainer and bill hourly against it. Call 512-659-3179 to discuss the matter.
