Financial Elder Abuse and Probate Investigations for Attorneys in 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 prove financial elder abuse and protect your client's estate. If you suspect someone is stealing from a vulnerable client, we can help you prove it. Call 512-659-3179 or request a free consultation.

Stopping Financial Elder Abuse by Caregivers

Attorneys who specialize in estate and probate frequently encounter clients who are being controlled by an assertive sibling holding power of attorney or a commanding caregiver. In some instances, the controlling person is dissipating the assets of the elderly person for personal gain and stealing from other siblings. Sage uses forensic accounting and our proprietary software, DIO, to analyze bank records and asset-sale transactions and reveal what's really happening to the money. Either through consulting or a full investigation, we can see what you might be too close to see.

Probate Matters We Investigate

Sage understands the complexity that can arise in probate matters, including:

• Absentee family members who have little influence over the elderly person because of manipulation by caregivers
• Caregivers or relatives who are influencing the elderly person and receiving gifts from them
• A caregiver who encroaches on the rights of family members
• The need for oversight
• The necessity of marshaling the assets of an estate
• The division of assets into community and separate property

Financial Investigations and Asset Analysis

When you need to know what an elderly client actually owns and where it went, Sage provides a full financial investigation. We inventory liquid assets (cash, bank, and brokerage accounts) and valuable physical assets to support your representation in theft cases, and we consult on circumstances that could lead to asset theft or client abuse. We can also run background checks on caregivers to determine whether they're a "serial interloper" exerting undue influence on other elderly people. The result is accurate, actionable information you can use to represent your client and, when needed, litigation support to manage the evidence through trial. We will:

• Provide an inventory of assets and values
• Prepare a list of assets and liabilities
• Perform background investigations of caregivers
• Give you actionable information to represent your client in legal actions

How DIO Technology Speeds Up Your Case

DIO is Sage's proprietary software that aids in the financial investigation of bank, brokerage, and credit card accounts, enabling quick, easy, and efficient follow-the-money analysis. It lets us analyze complex financial data and generate evidence-based reports in a fraction of the time, so you get more accurate information faster and enjoy a larger profit per case.

Benefits of Partnering with Sage Investigations

• Protect your client from abuse and compromise
• Prove the truth with documented evidence
• Gain an ally who improves your representation
• Identify problems and develop solutions quickly
• Get help dealing with the siblings and the caregiver
• Obtain accurate information about the elderly person's finances
• Save your client time and money through a controlled investigation

Surveillance and Bug Sweeps When a Case Calls for It

When a matter requires it, Sage also provides physical surveillance to document a caregiver's conduct and TSCM (technical surveillance counter-measures, or bug sweeps) to make sure your client's environment is free of eavesdropping devices. Ask us about these services during your consultation.

Serving Estate and Probate Attorneys in Austin and Central Texas

Sage Investigations partners with estate and probate attorneys throughout Austin, Central Texas, and across the state. We work as an extension of your team to protect vulnerable clients and their estates. Review our probate and estate case studies to see how we've helped attorneys prove the truth and protect their clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is financial elder abuse?

Financial elder abuse happens when someone, often a caregiver, relative, or person holding power of attorney, misuses an elderly person's money or property for their own benefit. It can include unauthorized withdrawals, coerced gifts or transfers, forged documents, or quietly draining bank and brokerage accounts.

How do you prove financial elder abuse?

We follow the money. Using forensic accounting and our DIO software, we analyze bank, brokerage, and credit-card records to reconstruct where assets went, flag unauthorized or suspicious transactions, and document a clear, evidence-based trail your firm can use in court.

When should an estate or probate attorney bring in a forensic accountant?

As early as possible. Getting us involved before assets are further dissipated means more transactions can be traced and more of the estate protected. Early involvement also helps shape discovery and identify the right records to request.

Do you work under attorney work product?

Yes. Once you retain us, we work under the attorney work product privilege as an extension of your team, and we deliver our findings in the format you request.