In 50 years of estate litigation, Michael Hackard has seen numerous instances where criminals manipulate elders into signing over their assets, effectively disinheriting legitimate heirs. Stolen Inheritance is a guide for families facing such scammers.

Hackard begins each chapter with case studies, most from his own practice. He describes, for example, a live-in caretaker who acquired signatures that assigned assets to her, a sibling who moved into the home of a vulnerable parent, changed the locks, cut off access to the parent and then manipulated the parent to change the terms of a trust—and much more. Hackard also describes the high-profile cases of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and actor Robin Williams.

In each chapter, he provides advice for readers facing similar situations on how to thwart these crimes or mitigate the damage after the fact. Throughout, readers will learn what to do when an elder has died; when their assets may already have been dissipated; when enablers (e.g. shady lawyers) may have benefitted, and more.

Hackard also dispenses general advice related to defending estates, such as what to expect when hiring an attorney, what to bring to the meeting, what lawyers will ask, etc. The author’s appendices answer frequently asked questions and include a glossary and a resource list.

Hackard’s treatment of his subject is concise and matter-of-fact, but his intent is warm and generous. This is a well-organized, clear and accessible guide—a potential life-saver for families with smaller estates that might not be able to afford a lawyer. Such families may well recognize the patterns of elder abuse that Hackard describes, and his work provides a primer on their options.

Although he quotes California law, which will differ elsewhere, Hackard’s book will give families a valuable framework and starting point for defending the estates of vulnerable elders.

Also available as an ebook.