Goodreau

I.

INTRODUCTION

In this case, a granddaughter accuses her uncle of financial abuse, isolation, and neglect constituting elder abuse of her grandmother.

In the published parts of this opinion (parts L, II., III.A., and IV.) we hold that the granddaughter has standing to bring this elder abuse civil lawsuit. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 15657.3, subd. (d).) (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 15600 et seq. (the Elder Abuse Act).) In unpublished portions of this opinion (parts IH.B., m.C., III.D., in.E., and III.F.) we hold there is substantial evidence to support the findings of elder abuse, there is substantial evidence to support the damages awarded, and there is no procedural impediment to the imposition of punitive damages.

*223 II.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The parties and decedent’s estate plan.

Laura Marie Lowrie (decedent) had three children, all of whom are still living: Norma Goodreau, Alan Lowrie, and appellant Sheldon Lawrence Lowrie (Sheldon). Decedent had six grandchildren, including respondent Lynelle L. Goodreau (Lynelle) who is the eldest daughter of Norma Goodreau. 1

Decedent’s husband died in 1986, leaving to decedent gold coins, cash in bank accounts, a…