Relates to proceedings for appointment of a guardian for personal needs or property management

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Republican2
• Democratic1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Cordell Cleare says this is needed

Often, when actions under the mental hygiene law are brought, involving an incapacitated person, family members are restricted access to that person through no fault of their own. In fact, we have seen many famous cases involving abuse of conservatorships, waste of assets and denial of family member visitation. In 2008, Britney Spears had been hospitalized. Her father petitioned and was granted conservatorship allowing him the ability to make decisions about Britney's finances, medical well-being and career. In 2010, she completed rehab and was getting her career back on track. Britney testified that over the years there was a series of Abuses and manipulations against her. It was not until 2021 that the conservatorship terminated. Casey Kasem, the famous radio personality, suffered from advanced Parkinson's disease and was isolated from outside world by his second wife. She removed him from the hospital and would not allow visitation, even for his biological daughters. The daughters unsuccessfully filed for conservatorship and unfortunately, Mr. Kasem passed away before the issue was resolved. Nichelle Nichols, an actress from Star Trek, is in an intense battle with her son. She suffers from dementia and the son won a petition for conservatorship in 2018. He claimed her'former manager who lives with her was taking advantage of her finances and personal affairs. However, he along with her best friend desperately fought against the conservatorship. Sadly, the son sold his mother's home which was her pride and joy. Her friends say it is painful to watch but will not give up fighting. In the case of Karilyn Montanti, a court denied a child access to simply visit with her mother, precluded her and isolated the incapacitated person from all outsiders merely because the appointed counsel and guar- dian had personal differences with the daughter. Despite there being no abuse or mistreatment of any kind, it was several months before a hear- ing was finally held restoring access to the mother. This bill cited as "Karilyn's Law" will cure that problem here in New York and remedy the unfortunate loophole. This amendment to article 81 will simply provide an immediate hearing with respect to family visita- tion.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.