Lifetime Continues to Shed a Light on the Controversial Guardianship System with New Movie “The Bad Guardian” Starring Melissa Joan Hart and La La Anthony

Lifetime has greenlit a new project that sheds a light on the controversial, court-appointed guardianship system starring Melissa Joan Hart and La La Anthony. Premiering later this year, the film The Bad Guardian (working title) is inspired by countless true stories of individuals who have been put in the care of a guardian by the courts and raises the question – are these caretakers helpful or harmful?

The Bad Guardian (working title) is a riveting thriller about one woman’s fight to save her father from the clutches of a corrupt and greedy court-appointed “guardian”. When Leigh’s (Melissa Joan Hart) father Jason (Eric Pierpoint) suffers a fall while she’s out of town, the courts assign Jason a guardian, Janet (La La Anthony). At first Janet seems to be a big help to Jason, but things quickly take a terrible turn. Janet is legally in charge of every aspect of Jason’s life, and doesn’t waste any time placing him in a nursing home, auctioning off his house, all worldly possessions, and using the excuse that the proceeds are needed for his care. As Leigh continues to challenge Janet’s efforts, the guardian ultimately uses her power to prevent the family from visiting. In Janet’s care, Jason’s health deteriorates, to the point that he needs a life saving treatment which Janet decides is too expensive. As the whistleblowers around Jason meet untimely ends, Leigh finds the strength to take down the guardian and the corrupt system that supports her.

“More than some 2 million Americans are currently living under a guardian or conservatorship. It’s estimated that state courts confiscate over $50 billion from their wards- – every single year. 98% of people placed into state care, never get out. There are zero federal laws to regulate the guardianship/conservatorship system,” according to Diane Dimond, journalist and author of We’re Here to Help – When Guardianship Goes Wrong.

The Bad Guardian (wt) is produced by Allegheny Image Factory with Jeffrey Tinnell and Robert Tinnell serving as Producers. Elizabeth Stephen Executive Produces and Claudia Myers directs from a script by Ashley Gable.

Melissa Joan Hart is repped by Gilbertson Entertainment and Independent Artist Group.

La La Anthony is repped by United Talent Agency, 42West, and Untitled Entertainment.