Guardianships protect the most vulnerable, those who no longer have the health,
stamina, and mental faculties to deal with their finances and care. Unfortunately, the
system opens such people to incredible fraud, where those they most trust can strip them
of their rights, property, and dignity. While certain celebrities have brought national attention
to the issue, thousands of New Yorkers—especially the elderly—remain trapped in abusive
guardianships without public outcry or support. As the leading candidate for the 51st City
Council district, Frank Morano proposes a Guardianship Justice Reform Plan to ensure that
no New Yorker is unjustly placed under abusive guardianship and that those needing protection receive it without exploitation.
“For every celebrity like Britney Spears or Wendy Williams who shines a light on the abuses of
guardianship, there are countless New Yorkers—especially the elderly—who suffer in silence,
trapped in an unjust system with no way out,” says Frank. “This isn’t just a celebrity issue. This
is a human rights issue, and we must act now.” Frank has outlined a detailed proposal to
address this issue, one which reveals the rot at the core of our legal system in dealing with the
infirm and elderly and the abuses associated with their care.
To combat abusive guardianships and protect the autonomy of vulnerable New Yorkers, Frank
proposes a multi-step comprehensive Guardianship Justice Reform Plan, which includes:
- Creating a NYC Guardianship Oversight Board – A watchdog agency to audit cases, investigate
abuse, and hold bad actors accountable. - Ensuring Legal Protections for Wards – Guaranteeing the right to independent legal counsel,
mandatory case reviews, and a more straightforward process for individuals to petition for their own
freedom.
-Stopping Financial Exploitation – Requiring complete transparency of guardian fees, capping
excessive charges, and preventing banks from initiating guardianships without due cause. - Establishing the NYC Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) – A city-run program to help
families navigate the system and explore alternatives to guardianship. - Prioritizing Family Over Institutions – Ensuring courts prioritize family members over
professional guardians and blocking financial institutions from controlling assets without clear
evidence of incapacity.
-Introducing a Guardianship ‘Bill of Rights’ – Establishing fundamental rights for individuals
under guardianship, including the right to challenge guardianship, make personal decisions, and
maintain relationships with loved ones.
- Pushing for Statewide Reform – Calling on Albany lawmakers and NYC courts to improve oversight, increase judicial accountability, and strengthen legal protections.
Too often, the elderly and infirm are overlooked, and for all the wrong reasons, especially by
those of the political class, simply because they often cannot vote due to their situation. But
those under guardianship are our elders and our family; they are the same as everyone else. “The
The bottom line is this: Guardianships should be about protection, not control. The system is failing
the very people it was meant to help…New York City must lead in ending this abuse,
increasing transparency, and ensuring no one is unjustly stripped of their rights.” These are the
words of Frank Morano, the one candidate in the 51st council district who has shown any
concern for the silence. He calls advocates, legal experts, and elected officials to join him in
this fight. “We cannot let another New Yorker suffer in silence. It’s time for reform.”
A vote for Frank Morano is a vote for genuine change for ALL Staten Islanders.
