This Can Happen to Anyone

The legal systems of conservatorship and guardianship were originally created to protect individuals who could not care for themselves. But in reality, these systems have been weaponized to strip people—especially the elderly—of their rights, wealth, and independence.

  • Once a person is placed under conservatorship or guardianship, they often never regain full control over their lives—even after legal victories.
  • These legal structures allow third parties to make decisions about a person’s finances, medical care, and housing, often without meaningful oversight.
  • Even when a family member is fighting for their loved one, the courts often side with conservators and guardians who profit from keeping people under control.

Marian’s case is just one example, but it reflects a much bigger issue affecting families across the country.

Why Black Families Are Disproportionately Impacted

While anyone can fall victim to these legal traps, Black families have historically faced generations of legal loopholes that strip them of their wealth, autonomy, and property.

  • Racial bias in legal systems means that courts are more likely to see Black elders as “incapable” and in need of state-appointed control.
  • Many Black families do not have access to the same legal protections and financial resources to fight back against wrongful conservatorships and guardianships.
  • The exploitation of Black wealth is not new—from heirs’ property laws to redlining to forced conservatorships, legal loopholes have continually been used to transfer Black assets away from families and back into the system.

This isn’t just a flaw in the system—it is the system.

Real Stories: Others Who Have Fought the System

Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Case
Perhaps the most publicized conservatorship case, pop star Britney Spears was placed under conservatorship for over 13 years, losing control over her personal and financial decisions. The case brought international attention to how conservatorships can be used to exploit individuals for financial gain.

Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura)
The late Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking role as Lt. Uhura in Star Trek, spent her final years fighting against a court-ordered conservatorship that stripped her of her ability to control her own life. Her son, who took control of her estate, prevented her from making her own medical and financial decisions, despite her wishes.

The Case of Maurice Rucker
A lesser-known but equally devastating case, Maurice Rucker, a Black Vietnam War veteran, was placed under conservatorship after a stroke. Despite having family members willing to care for him, a court-appointed conservator took control of his finances and assets, forcing his home into foreclosure while charging exorbitant legal fees to his estate.

The Case of Ernestine Galloway
Ernestine Galloway, an 84-year-old Black woman, was placed into guardianship in Georgia despite objections from her family. The state-appointed guardian drained her savings and sold off her home, all under the guise of “protecting” her. Her family is still fighting to recover her stolen assets.

These cases highlight a common pattern: elders—especially Black elders—are disproportionately targeted, financially exploited, and left powerless under these legal systems.

The Reality of Elder & Conservatorship Abuse

1.3 million adults are under conservatorship or guardianship in the United States, controlling an estimated $50 billion in assets.

A 2017 report by the Government Accountability Office found that financial exploitation by conservators is widespread, with cases of elders having their savings drained, homes sold, and rights permanently removed.

Studies show that Black seniors are more likely to be placed into guardianship compared to white seniors, and less likely to have their rights restored.

Up to 10% of conservatorships involve some form of abuse or financial exploitation—yet oversight is minimal, and courts rarely hold conservators accountable.

What Needs to Change

The lack of oversight and accountability in conservatorship and guardianship systems means countless families are fighting legal battles they should have never faced in the first place.

🔹 Greater legal protections must be put in place to ensure conservatorship and guardianship cannot be abused for financial gain.
 🔹 Stronger oversight is needed to hold conservators and guardians accountable when they fail to act in the best interest of those in their care.
 🔹 Legislation must be passed to protect the rights of elders and prevent the courts from deciding—without real justification—that someone is “incapable” of managing their own life.

National Organizations Working for Reform

The following organizations are actively working to push for elder rights protections and conservatorship reform: