A new book  focusing on the abuse of involuntary conservatorship/guardianship proceedings in America today - THE RETIREMENT NIGHTMARE: HOW TO SAVE YOURSELF FROM YOUR HEIRS AND PROTECTORS -  was released in May by Prometheus Books of Amherst, New York, as part of its "Golden Age Series."

The author, Diane G. Armstrong, Ph.D., of Santa Barbara, California, also introduced a new website on the subject - http://www.retirementnightmare.com.
The website received over 6,000 hits in the 12 days following its launch on May 13. She says it took five years to research and write the book.

THE RETIREMENT NIGHTMARE was inspired by an 18-month, one-million-dollar battle her competent mother was forced to wage against four adult children after they petitioned Los Angeles Superior Court to place unnecessary conservatorships over her person and estate. Simply put, it was a thinly-veiled antemortem will contest. She prevailed only by agreeing--at quite a price--to settle out of court.

The resultant book does not include her mother's case as one of the 55 that are detailed across three chapters. THE RETIREMENT NIGHTMARE is not a personal diatribe. Rather, it is a resource for anyone who hopes to enjoy his or her golden years, and a guide for those who work to help the elderly plan for their retirement.