John Oliver is hardly a libertarian, but his Last Week Tonight show on HBO regularly highlights how US citizens are royally screwed by Uncle Sam and his minions. Over the years, he has tackled issues ranging from civil forfeiture to forensic science scandals—and now, he’s exposing how the legal guardianship system can victimize the very people it claims to protect.
What Is Guardianship Abuse?
Nearly 50 million Americans are 65 or older, and more than one million are under legal guardianship. Another 500,000 disabled adults are also part of the system.
State courts appoint guardians to make personal and financial decisions on behalf of adults deemed legally incompetent. A guardian’s job is to ensure their “wards” have safe housing and help them navigate complex legal and medical systems. However, guardianship abuse occurs when these guardians exploit their power—stealing assets, isolating seniors, and even forcibly institutionalizing them.
According to an auditor for the Palm Beach County Guardianship Fraud Program, guardians control $273 billion in assets. This enormous financial control makes the system a target for fraud, corruption, and elder exploitation.
How Guardianship Abuse Strips Away Your Rights
Once a judge approves a guardianship, a ward loses nearly all civil rights:
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Complete financial control: A guardian can transfer all of the ward’s money into their own accounts.
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Forced relocation: Wards can be sent to any residential facility chosen by the guardian.
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No access to family: Guardians can block family members from visiting or obtaining financial and medical information.
As Judge Steve King of Tarrant County, Texas, explained:
“Guardianship is a massive intrusion into a person’s life… they lose more rights than someone who goes to prison.”
Real Case: How a Corrupt Guardian Stole Everything from an Elderly Couple
A shocking case in Las Vegas exposed how easily guardianship abuse can happen.
A professional guardian, April Parks, targeted seniors with substantial assets. She persuaded doctors to declare them incompetent and then gained complete control over their lives.
Two of her victims, Rudy and Rennie North, were living independently when Parks showed up at their door with a court order. She forced them into an assisted-living facility against their will. When Rudy objected, Parks’ team threatened to call the police.
Under Nevada law, a guardian can file an emergency petition before a court to immediately assume control over a person’s life. Parks did this by claiming the Norths posed a “substantial risk” due to medication mismanagement, financial loss, and confusion. However, no formal cognitive assessment was ever performed.
Once in control, Parks:
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Sold the Norths’ home and belongings at an estate sale.
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Transferred their bank accounts into her name.
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Charged them excessive “guardian fees.”
Their daughter, Judy Belshe, was blocked from visiting them and was even cited for trespassing when she tried to see them at the facility.
It took two years of legal battles for Belshe to regain control of her parents’ lives. By then, the Norths had lost their home, savings, and dignity. They won an $8.5 million judgment against Parks, but collecting that money remains uncertain.
In 2017, Parks and her team were indicted for racketeering, theft, perjury, and elder exploitation. Their trial is scheduled to begin in September.
How to Protect Yourself from Guardianship Abuse
Since it is extremely difficult to escape guardianship once in the system, taking preventative steps is crucial.
#1. Set Up Durable Powers of Attorney
To avoid being forced into guardianship, execute durable powers of attorney (POA) and healthcare proxies. These documents should be:
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Legally recorded in public records.
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Granted to someone you fully trust (a responsible child or grandchild).
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Revocable unless two independent physicians confirm incompetency.
#2. Choose a Financial Guardian Carefully
If you assign a financial guardian, make sure:
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They are not in financial distress (to avoid temptation).
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They meet with an independent third party (e.g., your accountant) to ensure transparency.
#3. Monitor Your Estate Plan Regularly
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Review your legal documents yearly.
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Set up checks and balances to prevent financial misuse.
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Avoid giving full control to a single person—require dual signatures for major financial decisions.
Don’t Become the Next Victim of Guardianship Abuse
The guardianship system is one of the biggest legal rackets in America today. While many guardians are ethical, even if only 1% are corrupt, that means 15,000 seniors are suffering from this broken system.
If you or a loved one are at risk, take action now:
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Set up legal protections like POAs and health care proxies.
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Choose financial guardians carefully to prevent elder fraud.
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Work with an estate planning attorney to safeguard your assets.
Guardianship abuse is devastating—but by planning ahead, you can protect your rights, finances, and freedom.
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