Elder Financial Abuse and Estate Planning: What We Can Learn from Priscilla Presley’s Lawsuit
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and a high-profile lawsuit is bringing urgent attention to a heartbreaking but common issue: financial elder abuse.
Priscilla Presley, now 79, has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was defrauded of more than $1 million by people she once trusted—including a former business associate who reportedly gained control of her finances under false pretenses. If someone with Priscilla’s fame, resources, and advisors can be taken advantage of, anyone can.
At Starsia Law, we believe this case is a wake-up call. Elder financial abuse isn’t limited to news stories or celebrity headlines. It’s happening quietly across the country—and your family could be next.
How Elder Financial Abuse Happens
Presley’s case, like many others, follows a chillingly familiar pattern. Here’s what that pattern often looks like:
1. Trust Is Built
The abuser starts by being helpful, kind, and reliable—positioning themselves as the older adult’s “protector.” In Presley’s case, this was reportedly a former associate who promised to help her manage her affairs.
2. Isolation Follows
Next, the victim is encouraged to distrust long-time friends, family, or advisors. This phase often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. According to court documents, Presley was reportedly persuaded to cut off contact with trusted advisors.
3. Legal Control Is Gained
Finally, the abuser convinces the victim to sign legal documents—powers of attorney, access authorizations, or asset transfers—handing over financial control. By the time anyone catches on, the damage is often done.
This pattern is alarmingly common, and it rarely makes headlines unless the victim is a public figure.
Why This Should Matter to Every Family
You don’t have to be wealthy or famous to be at risk. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reported nearly $27 billion in suspected elder exploitation flagged by banks in just one year.
The toll isn’t just financial. Elder abuse can result in:
Devastated retirement savings or home loss
Emotional trauma and isolation
Irreparable damage to family relationships
Years of litigation and stress
That’s why proactive planning isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why “Traditional” Estate Plans Don’t Go Far Enough
Most estate plans are created once, then tucked away and forgotten. That static approach leaves older adults vulnerable, especially as new people enter their lives and circumstances shift.
What’s often missing:
Regular updates and check-ins
A clear inventory of assets
Trusted legal relationships
Transparent family conversations
Built-in protections against manipulation
How Life & Legacy Planning Protects You
At Starsia Law, we offer a more powerful approach: Life & Legacy Planning®. Our process is built not just to manage your legal documents, but to actively protect your future, your assets, and your dignity.
Here’s how:
✅ Clarity + Communication
We help you clearly document who should be in charge if something happens—and make sure your family knows exactly how the plan works.
✅ Ongoing Reviews
Life changes, and your plan should too. We meet with you regularly to review and update your plan and check for signs of vulnerability or manipulation.
✅ Relationships Matter
We get to know you and your loved ones. If something ever feels off, your family can reach out to us directly. We’re here to guide, notice red flags, and step in when needed.
✅ Built-in Transparency
No one should be surprised by your estate plan. Our system encourages openness so your family is empowered—not left in the dark or fighting in court.
What You Can Do Today
Waiting until something feels “off” is waiting too long. Here’s how you can start protecting yourself and your loved ones now:
Talk about your plan: Share your wishes with trusted family members.
Build your advisory team: A lawyer who knows you is a powerful ally.
Watch for red flags: Isolation, secrecy, or excessive interest in your finances should never be ignored.
Act while you’re in control: It’s much easier to protect your future while you’re healthy, clear-headed, and surrounded by people you trust.
Let’s Create a Plan That Protects What—and Who—Matters Most
Priscilla Presley’s story is still unfolding, but the lesson is already clear: financial elder abuse can happen to anyone.
At Starsia Law, we help families like yours create Life & Legacy Plans that go beyond the basics. We build plans that protect your assets, preserve your relationships, and shield you from manipulation or abuse—before it becomes a crisis.
Let’s build a plan that works in real life, not just on paper.
👉 Click below to schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation and get started.
This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.