Elderly and vulnerable lose control of money and property in Essex law firm scandal

Vulnerable individuals in south-east England have reported losing control of their finances and property after engaging with Craybeck Law, a firm based in Essex, as reported by The BBC.

At the centre of the controversy is Ron Hiller, a partner in the firm’s elder client division, who has been accused of exploiting his position as a trusted attorney. Investigations into over 30 cases reveal a pattern of alleged malpractice, raising questions about oversight and regulatory gaps in the system. An investigation found concerning trends, including:

• Vulnerable clients losing access to their bank accounts and being left in the dark about charges incurred by Mr. Hiller.
• Large cash withdrawals from clients’ accounts with insufficient justification.
• Properties sold below market value, with possessions cleared and disposed of without the owners’ informed consent.

One example involves Carole, a woman in her 60s from Uxbridge. After being hospitalised, Carole was moved to a care home and introduced to Mr. Hiller, who persuaded her to grant him lasting power of attorney (LPA). Within months, her house was sold for £355,000 and her belongings were discarded. Carole, cut off from her finances and social circle, later discovered her property was back on the market for £100,000 more than its earlier sale price. Other stories emerged:

• Elizabeth, an elderly woman in Watford, had her home sold for £350,000. Months later, it was resold for £525,000 without visible improvements.
• Valerie, from Borehamwood, left her £220,000 estate to a police charity after a will drawn up by Mr. Hiller excluded her family. Her relatives, unable to access financial details, suspect impropriety.

Many clients reported feeling pressured to appoint Mr. Hiller as their attorney, often introduced to him by care professionals. Some were led to believe he was a qualified solicitor – a claim Craybeck Law denies. Official records confirm that Mr. Hiller is not listed as a solicitor but holds a diploma in credit management.

In Hertfordshire, NHS social worker Margaret Falegan is accused of introducing Mr. Hiller to vulnerable clients. Petra, a woman with anxiety, recounted how Ms. Falegan brought Mr. Hiller to her home and pressured her to sign an LPA. When Petra declined, she received a letter from Mr. Hiller suggesting her decision might impact her access to mental health services.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPUFT) has launched an investigation into these introductions, raising questions about ethical breaches and potential conflicts of interest.

Ann Stanyer, an expert in elder law, warns that attorneys who also act as executors of wills can operate with minimal scrutiny, potentially enriching themselves at the expense of clients and their heirs.

Craybeck Law has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the firm adheres to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) strict ethical guidelines. It refutes the allegations, calling them inaccurate and based on hearsay. However, the SRA has confirmed it is investigating the claims.

Carole, now living in a flat near her cousin in Folkestone, is rebuilding her life despite the loss of her possessions and financial setbacks. Ann-Marie Shine-Newton from Lion Wills & Estate Planning said said on LinkedIn:

“This is horrific list of abuse of Lasting Power of Attorney & a company appointing themselves as Executors! So many sad stories, why has this not been stopped!

Elderly and vulnerable people in south-east England have told the BBC how they lost control of their money and property after dealing with a law firm based in Essex.

They described how they were persuaded – and sometimes felt under pressure – to grant lasting power of attorney (LPA) to a man called Ron Hiller, a partner in the firm.

Attorneys are supposed to act in their clients’ best interests.”