New Minnesota Law Creates Order for Protection Against Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults

Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults has long been a serious concern in Minnesota. Beginning January 1, 2026, a new statute provides courts with an additional legal tool to intervene quickly when financial abuse is suspected.

Under Minn. Stat. § 609.2334, individuals may petition the court for a protection order specifically designed to stop financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

What the New Law Does

The statute creates a process similar in structure to other protective court orders but allows for quick intervention. A petitioner may ask a court to issue an order preventing a person from financially exploiting a vulnerable adult and to take steps necessary to protect the adult’s assets.

Courts have broad authority under the law to tailor relief to the situation. Possible protections include:

• Prohibiting a respondent from committing acts of financial exploitation

• Preventing direct or indirect contact with the vulnerable adult

• Restricting access to bank accounts or financial assets

• Freezing or safeguarding funds that may have been wrongfully taken

• Requiring financial institutions to restrict transactions or provide information to the court

The goal is to stop financial abuse quickly while the court evaluates the situation.

Temporary and Emergency Relief

The law allows courts to issue temporary or emergency orders, including ex parte orders, when immediate protection is needed. These temporary protections can be issued without the respondent present and remain in place until a hearing can be held.

This structure allows the court to act quickly when there is concern that assets may be moved, withdrawn, or otherwise lost before a full hearing can occur.

Protection of Financial Accounts and Assets

One of the most significant aspects of the statute is its ability to address financial assets directly.

Depending on the circumstances, a court may order:

• The freezing of accounts

• Restrictions on certain transactions

• Preservation or return of assets connected to exploitation

• Protective measures involving trusts, conservatorships, or other financial arrangements

These tools are intended to prevent ongoing losses and preserve assets while the legal process unfolds.

Penalties for Violating the Order

The statute also creates criminal consequences for violating a protection order issued under the law.

A person who knowingly violates the order may face:

• Misdemeanor charges for a first violation

• Gross misdemeanor charges for a repeat violation within ten years

• Felony charges for multiple violations within ten years, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000

These escalating penalties are intended to deter continued exploitation once a court order is in place.

An Additional Tool to Protect Vulnerable Adults

Importantly, proceedings under this statute do not replace other legal remedies. Instead, they operate alongside existing civil and criminal options related to elder abuse, financial exploitation, guardianship, conservatorship, and fraud.

The new law provides families, caregivers, and advocates with a more direct way to seek court intervention when financial exploitation is suspected, helping protect vulnerable adults and their assets before additional harm occurs.

If you believe a vulnerable adult may be experiencing financial exploitation, taking action quickly can make a significant difference in protecting their assets and well-being. Our office works with families and caregivers to evaluate available legal options, including the new court protections available under Minnesota law.

If you have questions about protecting a vulnerable adult or would like to discuss your situation, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can help you understand the available remedies and determine the best path forward.