Regrettably Unfair: Brooke Astor and the Other Elderly in New York

Abstract

This article juxtaposes the damning and cautionary tale of Brooke Astor’s mistreatment at the hands of her son and lawyers within the broader context of the plight of vulnerable elders whose lives, in stark contrast to Mrs. Astor, are shaped in large part by poverty, powerlessness, and injustice. The actions of Mrs. Astor’s son consolidated his power over his mother’s property and living circumstances, isolated her from her loyal staff and friends, and created a risk of harm that led to the filing of a guardianship petition, and ultimately his conviction (along with one of her lawyers) of multiple crimes involving financial theft and exploitation. This article examines the tale of the Astor family and analyzes the legal and professional responsibility issues that arose within the context of recent developments in New York law.