JAMAICA ESTATES, NY — August 15, 2025 — Amid growing reports of abuse and neglect in New York’s guardianship system, legal expert and elder law attorney Tanya Hobson-Williams is urging state lawmakers to go beyond recent recommendations from a gubernatorial task force and enact sweeping legislative reforms.

“The system is broken — and without new laws to strengthen oversight and accountability, the most vulnerable New Yorkers will continue to fall through the cracks,” said Hobson-Williams, who has represented dozens of individuals in guardianship cases across the state.

A task force appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul recently called for a $15 million investment and the transfer of guardianship oversight to state courts — a major shift from the current decentralized system with almost no regulation of the private and nonprofit entities entrusted with care of some 30,000 residents.

But Hobson-Williams warns that funding and administrative changes alone won’t fix a system plagued by exploitation. “There needs to be legislative changes to Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law,” she said. “There should be changes in who can commence a guardianship proceeding because now just about anyone can, which includes banks and nursing homes, which, on occasion, use the proceeding to collect nursing home debts.”

The need for reform is urgent. A recent ProPublica investigation uncovered widespread neglect and alleged financial abuse by guardianship companies, triggering a probe by New York Attorney General Letitia James and raising alarms across the judicial system.

While the task force’s recommendations have been submitted, Governor Hochul has not yet announced any action.

“The state can’t wait,” Hobson-Williams said. “These are people’s lives, and the failure to act is costing them their dignity — and in some cases, their safety.”

For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.

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About Hobson-Williams, P.C.
With offices located in Jamaica Estates and Brooklyn, New York, the law firm of Hobson-Williams, P.C. is comprised of a highly knowledgeable and diligent staff. With over 28 years of experience, the firm’s skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting and serving their clients’ needs and legal interests, and are committed to providing unparalleled client service. Practice areas include elder law and estate planning, Guardianships, Medicaid, real estate, landlord/tenant and business law. For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.

NY Debt Attorney Urges Action as Protections Roll Back for Consumers with Medical Bills

JAMAICA ESTATES, NY — July 17, 2025 — A recent federal court ruling could soon put millions of Americans with medical debt back in financial jeopardy — and one New York debt collection attorney says now is the time to act.

Attorney Tanya Hobson-Williams of Hobson-Williams, P.C., a firm that represents consumers in debt-related legal matters, is sounding the alarm after a Texas federal judge struck down a rule that had barred medical debt from appearing on credit reports.

“This ruling is a wake-up call,” said Hobson-Williams. “Consumers who thought medical debt wouldn’t impact their credit scores anymore may be in for a shock — unless they get ahead of it now.”

The ruling, handed down July 11 by U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan, declared that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) overstepped its authority by prohibiting medical debt from being factored into credit reports. The CFPB had previously estimated that the now-overturned policy helped raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and removed $49 million in medical debt from reports.

Now that the legal protection is gone, Hobson-Williams says consumers need to be especially cautious when choosing how to address medical debt.

“Before jumping into debt settlement or relief programs, make sure you understand the consequences,” she said. “Some of these services charge high fees, and in some cases, they can actually damage your credit further.”

She advises those receiving collection letters or facing medical bills they can’t pay to seek legal guidance before taking action.

“Consumers still have options, but the window to act before their credit is impacted again is closing fast,” Hobson-Williams said.

For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.

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About Hobson-Williams, P.C.

With offices located in Jamaica Estates and Brooklyn, New York, the law firm of Hobson-Williams, P.C. is comprised of a highly knowledgeable and diligent staff. With over 28 years of experience, the firm’s skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting and serving their clients’ needs and legal interests, and are committed to providing unparalleled client service. Practice areas include elder law and estate planning, Guardianships, Medicaid, real estate, landlord/tenant and business law. For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.