Elder abuse has its own protective order statute: the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (Welfare & Institutions Code 15657.03). It protects adults 65 and older — and dependent adults — from physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, isolation, and harassment by caregivers, family members, or strangers.
The petition can be filed by the elder, or by a conservator, trustee, or other authorized person acting on their behalf. The court can order the abuser to stay away, move out, stop financial exploitation, and return property. Temporary orders issue the same day the court finds good cause.
The signature of elder abuse is often financial: the 'helpful' relative on the bank account, the caregiver with the debit card, the isolation that hides it all. The protective order plus a conservatorship or accounting action can stop the bleeding and recover what was taken. We move on both tracks at once.
In immediate danger, call 911. For protection planning and next steps, call (619) 730-7884 — free and confidential, through whatever channel is safe for you.
