What Priscilla Presley’s Lawsuit Reveals About Elder Abuse—and How Life & Legacy Planning Can Protect Your Family
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and a high-profile case involving Priscilla Presley, age 79, underscores the growing risk of elder financial abuse. Presley claims she was defrauded of over $1 million by someone she trusted—a former business partner who allegedly manipulated her into signing over control of her finances.
If this can happen to a wealthy, famous individual with access to legal and financial advisors, it can happen to anyone—including your loved ones in Northwest Arkansas or North Texas.
The Pattern of Financial Elder Abuse
Presley’s story follows a sadly familiar script that elder law attorneys know too well:
Gaining Trust – Abusers often begin with excessive kindness, positioning themselves as protectors or “helpers.”
Isolating the Victim – They gradually alienate the older adult from trusted family and professionals.
Assuming Legal Control – They secure legal authority through Powers of Attorney or other documents, allowing financial control and abuse.
These three steps are common in elder exploitation cases in Texas and Arkansas. Awareness of these patterns is critical for early detection and prevention.
How Life & Legacy Planning® Protects Families
At Baranski Law, we take a relational approach to estate and elder law planning that includes more than legal paperwork. Our Life & Legacy Planning® services help prevent abuse before it starts.
Here’s what sets it apart:
✅ Clear Documents + Conversations: We go beyond signatures—your plan is fully explained to you and your family, so everyone understands who is in charge and when.
✅ Ongoing Reviews: Life changes. We keep your plan updated and provide space for check-ins with your family.
✅ Long-Term Relationship: I get to know you and your family. That allows me to spot signs of abuse early and be there when help is needed.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Even the best legal plan only works if it's created before a crisis. Here’s what you can do today:
Talk with your family about your wishes and what to look out for
Build a team: Trusted advisors like your lawyer, financial planner, and CPA help create a protective circle
Trust your instincts if someone seems overly involved in a loved one’s finances or starts isolating them
Let’s Create a Plan That Protects What Matters Most
Priscilla Presley’s case is a painful reminder of how vulnerable seniors can be. But you don’t have to wait for a lawsuit or crisis.
At Baranski Law, I help clients in Benton County and across Texas create thoughtful, proactive Life & Legacy Plans® that protect their independence, assets, and peace of mind.
👉 Click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and take the first step.
This article is a service of Baranski Law, PC—your Personal Family Lawyer® firm in Northwest Arkansas and Texas. We don’t just draft documents—we guide you through life’s toughest transitions with care and strategy.