What Priscilla Presley’s Fight Teaches Us About Protecting Aging Loved Ones
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month—and Priscilla Presley just gave us all a reality check.
At 79, she’s suing over a $1 million fraud, claiming she was manipulated by people she trusted. If it can happen to Priscilla—with fame, resources, and a team of advisors—it can definitely happen to the rest of us.
That’s why this case matters. It’s not just a tabloid headline—it’s a wake-up call. Elder financial abuse is real, it’s rampant, and it’s often committed by the people closest to us.
Let’s break down:
What went down in Priscilla’s case
How financial predators target older adults
And how Estate Planning can protect your money, your independence, and your peace of mind
Because prevention? That’s the real power move.
How Financial Elder Abuse Actually Happens (and Why It’s So Hard to Spot)
What happened to Priscilla Presley? Sadly, it’s not rare—and it’s not just a celebrity problem. It’s a classic elder abuse pattern, and it starts long before the money goes missing.
Here’s the breakdown of how this kind of exploitation often works:
Step One: Build the Trust
It starts innocently enough. Someone close—maybe a “friend,” caregiver, or business partner—starts showering attention, offering help, and becoming the go-to person. In Priscilla’s case, her associate made herself indispensable… and trustworthy. Red flag #1.Step Two: Create Distance
Next up? Isolation. Slowly but surely, the abuser encourages distrust of long-time advisors, family, or friends. Presley says she was nudged to cut ties with people who had her back. Why? Because predators don’t want competition for influence.Step Three: Take Legal Control
Here’s where it gets dangerous. Once isolated and dependent, the elder is persuaded to sign powers of attorney or other legal docs—handing over control. That’s how, allegedly, over $1 million of Priscilla’s money vanished under someone else’s watch.
Sound familiar? It should. This isn’t a one-off—it’s a pattern seen in thousands of elder abuse cases. The worst part? By the time someone gets legal authority, it’s often too late for easy fixes.
Why This Isn’t Just a “Celebrity Problem” (and What Every Family Needs to Know)
Let’s be clear: you don’t need to be famous—or even wealthy—for financial elder abuse to hit home. It’s happening every day in families just like yours, often in silence and without justice.
Here’s why this issue should be on your radar:
The Financial Fallout is Real
In just one year, banks flagged nearly $27 billion (yes, billion) in suspicious elder exploitation. That’s not just numbers—it’s homes lost, retirement savings drained, and long-term care plans destroyed.The Emotional Toll Hits Just as Hard
Victims often feel too ashamed to speak up. Family members blame themselves for missing the signs. And the people who were supposed to help? Left feeling helpless and confused.Family Drama? Oh, You Bet.
These situations blow up families. Fingers get pointed in the wrong direction. Siblings turn on each other. And while everyone’s arguing, the abuser just keeps on taking.
This is exactly why you can’t wait until it’s too late. And let’s be honest—not all estate planning is created equal.
The Estate Planning Difference (a.k.a. Why “One-and-Done” Planning Just Doesn’t Cut It)
Here’s the truth: Most people think estate planning means signing a few documents, tossing them in a drawer, and calling it a day. But when it comes to actually protecting your people from manipulation, drama, and chaos? That kind of “set it and forget it” planning is about as useful as a broken umbrella in a storm.
At 20West Legal, we do things differently. We offer Estate Planning—a smart, real-world approach that keeps your family protected when it matters most.
What makes it different? Glad you asked:
1. Clear Docs AND Real Conversations
It’s not enough to say “so-and-so is in charge.” You need airtight legal clarity—and the people you trust need to actually know the plan. No secrets. No guesswork. When your circle is looped in and informed, shady manipulators don’t stand a chance.
2. Regular Check-Ins (Because Life Doesn’t Stand Still)
New baby? New boo? Change of heart? That’s why we bake regular reviews into your plan. It’s how we catch red flags before they become legal emergencies—and make sure your plan always reflects your life as it is right now.
3. An Ongoing Relationship with Your Lawyer (That’s Me!)
With traditional firms, once the ink dries, it’s “good luck out there.” Not here. As your Personal Family Lawyer® in Sudbury and across MetroWest Boston, I stay in your corner. I know your plan. I know your people. And if something ever feels off, I’m just a phone call away—with real advice, not just legalese.
How to Take Action Now—Before Things Get Messy
Let’s be real: A solid plan is only as good as when you put it in place. And waiting until things go sideways—or until your decision-making ability is in question—is like buying insurance after the fire.
That’s why the best time to act is now, while you’re mentally sharp, healthy, and surrounded by people you actually trust (you know who they are).
So what can you do today?
Start Talking
Have the real-deal conversation with your family. What do you want? Who steps in if something seems off? The more they know now, the less chaos later. Think of it as estate planning with a side of heart-to-heart.
Keep Your Pros in the Loop
Your lawyer (hi 👋), CPA, and financial advisor can only protect you if they know you—and your wishes—well. Staying connected with your advisory team builds a layer of defense no predator wants to mess with.
Trust Your Gut
If someone’s asking weird questions about your money, trying to wedge themselves between you and your crew, or just giving off sketchy vibes? That’s a no from us. Early action beats damage control every time.
Proactive planning is powerful. Let’s build something together that keeps you—and everything you’ve worked for—protected and respected.
If It Can Happen to Priscilla Presley…
Let’s talk about something serious—elder financial abuse. It’s not just some “other people” problem. It’s real. It’s happening. And it’s closer to home than you think.
Even Priscilla Presley—yes, that Priscilla Presley—ended up in court fighting over more than a million bucks that was allegedly taken by someone she trusted. If it can happen to a woman with fame, fortune, and a whole legal team behind her, it can happen to anyone.
So here’s the deal:
Your best defense? An Estate Plan that actually works.
At 20West Legal, we help families in Sudbury, Maynard, Framingham, Natick, and across Metrowest Boston create estate plans that go beyond “just paperwork.” We make sure:
Your assets are locked down
Your trusted people are really in charge
Predators can’t sneak their way into your life or your legacy
Your loved ones know exactly what to do—no courtroom drama required
During our Planning Session, we’ll get you organized, clear on your values, and confident that everything you care about is protected. From your finances to your kids to your cat—this is about locking up your life, your way.
So let’s get ahead of the crisis. Before things get messy.
https://go.20westlegal.com/meeting-scheduler to book your free 15-minute call.
Because no one should have to fight for what’s already theirs.
This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. 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 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. You can begin by calling our office in Sudbury, Massachusetts today to schedule an Estate Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
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.