Relative steals Elders money, Criminal case first then Civil Claim?

[abaracadabara]

My elderly father recently died in California.
It was found that a Relative who was entrusted with paying his bills from his bank account had been taking money from the account, and when he died, took what remained of his account balance. The total amount taken is thousands of dollars.

Initial response by the local PD has been pretty poor. I will be providing further documented evidence, and pressing further for a criminal prosecution.

In the mean time is it worth consulting an attorney to start civil proceedings.
against the relative or would this action cause problems for a criminal case?

I have considered writing to the relative threatening legal action if the money is not repaid. (Any money recovered would be donated to charity in my fathers name, and the reason for recovery would be to prevent the relative benefiting from their actions.)

I would however much prefer to see the culprit dealt with appropriately through the courts.

I should also add that I was sole beneficiary of his Will.
Surely when he died, the money became technically mine.
Does this make it theft with myself as the injured party?


Any advice would be much appreciated

A civil action would be a very good idea if the police are not keen on pursuing it.

...he will lose and be required to pay back all wrongfully take n funds.

[abaracadabara]

Thank You

I would prefer a Criminal case and that would be a priority.
The police do not yet have all the documentation, so there is still a good chance of a criminal case.

CIVIL: thought that If I warned the relative first and gave them the option to pay back the money without
legal costs, it would be easier to claim costs against them.

Also would it be better to get a Lawyer to write or write oneself?