As you discuss the matter of estate planning with your elderly parents or loved ones, you may notice that something seems odd. Your loved one may suddenly leave a large amount of the inheritance they want to give away to someone you have never met before or to one sibling instead of all the siblings as they promised before.
In some cases, this may be because of undue influence. When an older person is lonely or isolated, they could struggle against this manipulation while crafting their will.
Lack of family or friends
According to the AARP, elderly people who fall prey to this problem often do not have strong social connections. This makes it easier for a person to pressure them to change their will or prevent them from talking to a legal professional alone.
This person may try to drive your loved one everywhere or always stand in with them at private financial meetings.
Age-related struggles and needs
When your older loved one has problems with their memory and relies on other people, loneliness can sometimes leave them open to influence from a manipulative source. Your loved one may sign documents that leave all of an inheritance to a single person they do not know well, such as a caretaker or employee working with them.
Emotional manipulation
Some people may emotionally manipulate an elder by guilting and lying to them. This can happen when the person tells this older individual they will only keep spending time with them if they write them into their will.
No matter what problems your elderly loved ones are facing, staying aware of how undue influence works can help you understand this possible scenario.