“Granny Snatching” is probably not a term you are familiar with hearing. But, believe it or not, over the years elder law advocates have popularized the concept to explain a problem affecting fights over guardianship of seniors. Specifically, granny snatching refers to a problem where a elder guardian (usually close friend or family member) suddenly loses their rights when the senior moves into a different state than the one where guardianship was established.
This situation can exacerbate family feuding and increased elder abuse risk. That is because the jurisdictional matter opens the door for one relative (who does not have legal guardianship) to physically move the senior elsewhere. The former legal guardian then faces significant challenges being reunited with their loved one because the new state’s failure to recognize their authority.
Currently, this is a risk for all families that move into (or out of) New York. Per existing state law, a guardian needed to bring new guardianship proceedings upon moving into the state. At the same time, New York residents that move elsewhere risked having their guardianship ignored by the new state. This poses very real administrative problems for seniors most in need of help with various day-to-day financial and well-being issues.