Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, explores various legal tools to help protect loved ones with dementia from financial exploitation.

DECATUR, GA, January 15, 2026: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “Stopping Financial Exploitation of a Loved One with Dementia: Legal Tools & Red Flags.”  Ms. Pawley provides helpful information that can help avoid the trauma of “one of the most common and devastating forms of abuse affecting those with dementia.”

Pawley states, “Declining cognitive abilities often make those with dementia more trusting, forgetful, or unable to recognize manipulation. This makes them particularly vulnerable to scams, coercion, or misuse of their assets by strangers and even people they know and love.” She continues, “Trusted family members, close friends and caregivers play a crucial role in recognizing signs that indicate financial exploitation as well as putting legal tools in place to protect their loved one’s financial security and dignity.

According to Pawley, “Many of the warning signs of financial exploitation are subtle, while others are more obvious. Common red flags to look for include unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, sudden changes in spending patterns, or missing cash and valuables.” Pawley adds, “You may notice unpaid bills despite adequate funds, or new “friends,” caregivers, or advisors who seem overly interested in the person’s finances. More obvious signs,” Pawley writes, “include abrupt changes to wills, beneficiaries, or property titles. These changes can signal undue influence by a third party.”

Pawley suggests that those close to the dementia patient be “alert to behavioral changes.” She explains that “Someone with dementia may express confusion or anxiety about money. Or they may suddenly seem secretive about financial matters or repeat stories about giving money away without clear reasons.” According to Pawley, “Any situation where a loved one appears pressured, rushed, or fearful when discussing finances should be taken seriously, keeping in mind that early detection is key.”

Among the legal tools Pawley covers in her article are Durable Power of Attorney (POA), Revocable living trusts, and for more advanced cases of dementia, guardianship or conservatorship.

Also, be alert to behavioral changes. Someone with dementia may express confusion or

The entire article can be read at here:  Stopping Financial Exploitation of a Loved One with Dementia: Legal Tools & Red Flags

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.