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We're Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong
The human stories behind the headlines exposing the truth about the guardianship system.
The state-run guardianship system, called conservatorship in some states, is largely unregulated, ill-understood, and increasingly populated by financially motivated predators. Just how the secretive world of guardianship works and its real-life effects remained a mystery to most until the very public case of pop star Britney Spears. It suddenly became clear that those conscripted into the system lose all their civil rights in the process. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Americans under court control, but precise figures are not known as no government entity keeps track of citizens who have lost the right to determine their own fate.
Established in the late 1800s, the guardianship system was designed to assist the most vulnerable the elderly and the physically or intellectually disabled. While guardianship has been beneficial to many “wards of the court,” this little-understood process can be a judicial rollercoaster from which there is seldom an escape, and which often leads to financial devastation for the ward and their families. Each year, fifty billion dollars belonging to wards are placed under the control of court appointees, an obvious temptation to bad actors who are in a position to control these funds. As investigative journalist Diane Dimond discovers, the number of exploitive and abusive guardianship cases nationwide demands our urgent attention. This book also provides concrete steps that families can take to protect themselves, as guardianship can happen to any one of us at any time.
The state-run guardianship system, called conservatorship in some states, is largely unregulated, ill-understood, and increasingly populated by financially motivated predators. Just how the secretive world of guardianship works and its real-life effects remained a mystery to most until the very public case of pop star Britney Spears. It suddenly became clear that those conscripted into the system lose all their civil rights in the process. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Americans under court control, but precise figures are not known as no government entity keeps track of citizens who have lost the right to determine their own fate.
Established in the late 1800s, the guardianship system was designed to assist the most vulnerable the elderly and the physically or intellectually disabled. While guardianship has been beneficial to many “wards of the court,” this little-understood process can be a judicial rollercoaster from which there is seldom an escape, and which often leads to financial devastation for the ward and their families. Each year, fifty billion dollars belonging to wards are placed under the control of court appointees, an obvious temptation to bad actors who are in a position to control these funds. As investigative journalist Diane Dimond discovers, the number of exploitive and abusive guardianship cases nationwide demands our urgent attention. This book also provides concrete steps that families can take to protect themselves, as guardianship can happen to any one of us at any time.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 30, 2023
Diane Dimond has always been a powerful storyteller and with this book, she solidifies that reputation. Her reporting and researching skills, intelligence and compassion lead the way in this well-written book that made me gasp in disbelief. I doubt many are aware of the ways our treasured seniors can be exploited and manipulated by the guardianship system. I've been an advocate for aging adults for 25 years and much of the information in this book was frustrating and upsetting, but ultimately empowering. Thank you Diane for your tireless efforts to always seek truth.
September 9, 2023
Diane Dimond pulls back the curtain and exposes the dark side of guardianship and the bad actors involved in this system gone rogue.
The book reveals tragic accounts of victimized wards being robbed of their civil rights, assets and in the most tragic incidents, their life.
Dimond entreats government action for meaningful and enforceable reform while offering the reader ways to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming entangled in this flawed arm of the local courts.
The book reveals tragic accounts of victimized wards being robbed of their civil rights, assets and in the most tragic incidents, their life.
Dimond entreats government action for meaningful and enforceable reform while offering the reader ways to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming entangled in this flawed arm of the local courts.
August 1, 2023
Everyone needs to read this book and learn how vulnerable we all are to being taken advantage of by the most un-American system I’ve ever heard of. Diane has spent her life investigating stories and doggedly tracking down facts, but this is her greatest (and most disturbing) work. Eye-opening hardly begins to describe the tales she tells.
June 24, 2024
Informative but extremely repetitive.
June 24, 2023
I have been doing research, writing, education, and advocacy for more than a dozen years in the area of guardianship reform. I know something good when I see it.
We’re Here to Help is very well written. The book is both easy to read and well documented. The author provides readers with a snapshot of the national landscape by telling stories of celebrities and ordinary citizens alike who have been victimized in state guardianship proceedings. The recurring message throughout the book is that no one is safe from the grip of guardianship. Any of us could be targeted at any time.
The book places the responsibility for this mess where it belongs: on the judges who run the state guardianship systems. State courts lack accountability – a necessary ingredient for justice.
The timing of the book’s publication is perfect. It coincides with the recent introduction of a bill (S. 1148) in the United States Senate by Senator Bob Casey, titled “Guardianship Bill of Rights Act.” The bill uses a “carrot and stick” approach which would provide incentives for major reforms to state guardianship systems.
When the bill is eventually called for a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, author Diane Dimond should be called as the first witness to testify, with We’re Here to Help introduced as Exhibit A.
Thomas F. Coleman
Legal Director
Spectrum Institute
https://spectruminstitute.org/
We’re Here to Help is very well written. The book is both easy to read and well documented. The author provides readers with a snapshot of the national landscape by telling stories of celebrities and ordinary citizens alike who have been victimized in state guardianship proceedings. The recurring message throughout the book is that no one is safe from the grip of guardianship. Any of us could be targeted at any time.
The book places the responsibility for this mess where it belongs: on the judges who run the state guardianship systems. State courts lack accountability – a necessary ingredient for justice.
The timing of the book’s publication is perfect. It coincides with the recent introduction of a bill (S. 1148) in the United States Senate by Senator Bob Casey, titled “Guardianship Bill of Rights Act.” The bill uses a “carrot and stick” approach which would provide incentives for major reforms to state guardianship systems.
When the bill is eventually called for a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, author Diane Dimond should be called as the first witness to testify, with We’re Here to Help introduced as Exhibit A.
Thomas F. Coleman
Legal Director
Spectrum Institute
https://spectruminstitute.org/
October 16, 2023
Diane Dimond does a superb job of debunking the myth that professional guardians are here to help.
While public awareness of guardianship increased with the media coverage of Britney Spears’ oppressive and abusive guardianship, the public needs to realize that the guardianship nightmare can happen to anyone. In her new book, Diane covers the realities of the guardianship hustle with shocking stories and complete accuracy. For example, she covered my mother’s tragic guardianship story, but she phoned me a dozen times to make sure that what she was writing was factually supported with concrete evidence. I respect Diane Dimond as a professional writer and researcher, and I hope her book will add to public awareness of this horrific topic.
While public awareness of guardianship increased with the media coverage of Britney Spears’ oppressive and abusive guardianship, the public needs to realize that the guardianship nightmare can happen to anyone. In her new book, Diane covers the realities of the guardianship hustle with shocking stories and complete accuracy. For example, she covered my mother’s tragic guardianship story, but she phoned me a dozen times to make sure that what she was writing was factually supported with concrete evidence. I respect Diane Dimond as a professional writer and researcher, and I hope her book will add to public awareness of this horrific topic.
June 19, 2023
As one of the most well known "conservatorship attorneys" in the nation for supporting the #FreeBritney movement, I love the mission and the message of Diane's book. It has never been more important for ALL of us to pay attention to what is happening to SOME of us, because the tables can turn so quickly. Time and again, I hear good people lament "I never thought it would happen to us" when it comes to guardianship and conservatorship abuse. Please put this book on your list of must-reads. Diane provides valuable information and solid advice with conviction and strength. Guardianship and Conservatorship "abuse" is real, and we need to find ways to avoid and prevent it.
July 2, 2023
If you are an aging boomer or related to one or know someone who is disabled or incapacitated ….READ THIS BOOK!
Diane brings to light the horrors that can develop when people ask the courts for help. Our guardian system is for-profit and open to corruption and greed. Being aware of the pitfalls that lead to guardianships will better prepare you to recognize them and fight or avoid them altogether.
I was brought to tears reading about the victims that fell prey to the unscrupulous in the guardianship system. I can’t emphasize this enough….read this book. Five stars!
November 9, 2023
As an accomplished and talented Investigative Journalist, Diane paid attention to the outcries from so many to capture a true picture and description in her book about the predatory racket that our government and court system has remained silent, willfully blind, and rubber-stamp-victimizing vulnerable seniors and unsuspecting groups including those in family court and others receiving financial settlements from civil matters. Diane's book is a turn-pager-must-read book to self-educate yourself. Thank you Diane for spotlighting this nationwide travesty impacting so many and their families.
October 10, 2023
A book for every family to read as part of their estate planning and BEFORE they contemplate adult guardianship or conservatorship for a loved one. Diane’s award winning investigating journalist background shines through by highlighting real cases from across the country where predatory attorneys effectively weaponize local equity courts to exploit the vulnerable adults they claim to protect. Bravo to Diane for an excellent educational read and Brandeis University Press for publishing.
February 17, 2024
Highly recommend excellent book. It’s hard to believe but it happens all around the world. Don’t wait until it happens to you
January 25, 2024
Diane pours her heart and soul into her book, when Diane learns of the horrors of guardianship when one of Diane's best friend's father is abducted into guardianship.
Readers won't believe the money grab by courts, judges, attorneys and predators that routinely transpires in guardianships across America. Diane's research into many guardianship cases was endless.
David Lee Heeter, member "New Mexico Family Guardianship/Conservator Coalition"
Readers won't believe the money grab by courts, judges, attorneys and predators that routinely transpires in guardianships across America. Diane's research into many guardianship cases was endless.
David Lee Heeter, member "New Mexico Family Guardianship/Conservator Coalition"
February 16, 2024
Diane Dimond has written a very impactful book about guardianships and the myriad ways they can go wrong.
It is really heartbreaking to see how the most vulnerable can be taken advantage of--so before you make any decisions be sure to read this book and find out about the pitfalls.
Diane is a seasoned journalist who investigates this issue head-on.
It is really heartbreaking to see how the most vulnerable can be taken advantage of--so before you make any decisions be sure to read this book and find out about the pitfalls.
Diane is a seasoned journalist who investigates this issue head-on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews