GOLD DIGGERS, GIGOLOS AND MADELINE WICKHAM

In 1998, Madeline Wickham (also known as Sophie Kinsella of the Shopaholic Series) wrote a book titled “The Gatecrasher”. (2ed St. Martins Press 2007) Since then, Wickham has gained such popularity and fame that the publishers have repackaged her earlier books, making sure that “Sophie Kinsella” appears somewhere in all of the titles. While the packaging is new, the content remains an old and somewhat dangerous plot. The Gatecrasher showcases gold diggers and gigolos in situations where their primary interests in male or female relationships are the material benefits; women and men who care more about bank accounts than they do about the people they are luring into illusionary romance. This book takes the plot further, skimming close to reality with real plots of women and men who go after the weak, elderly, and/or grieving widow/er. However, The Gatecrasher one has one gold digger learning to love, falling for one of her “victims” by the end of the book.

In reality, there is rarely if ever a sudden change of heart, and though the fantasy plot of The Gatecrasher ends with a happy family, the real story usually ends up in court. That said, it is not easy to distinguish true companionship and late life romance from predatory infestation of gold diggers and gigolos.

It is doubtful that Wickham wrote the book with the intent of making this issue light-hearted and whimsical. However, the unfortunate truth is that in countless situations there are no magical turn arounds for the gold diggers and gigolos of this world. Often the predator will hunt for an elderly person with early signs of dementia, taking on the role of caregiver, girlfriend, boyfriend or even nurse. As the elder’s mental capacity starts to diminish, the predator starts undulely influencing and controlling the victim to gain money and assets, cutting out all other immediate family. The end result has the gold diggers and gigolos ending up with the assets of many victims. The assets that are taken can range from simple things like a car, or a credit card, to the entire estate of the victim being passed by will to the gold digger or gigolo.

It is because of the infestation of these gold diggers and gigolos that families must take steps to secure trustworthy and properly qualified caregivers for their elderly loved ones.

In a blog to come, there will be comments about love and old age, addressing the complexities of intervention versus staying out of the elder’s personal business. Is it protecting the elder’s privacy or is it protecting the elder from exploitation? Is it protecting the elder, or the family's legacy? Read more on our website www.nc-law.com.

Comments

[Ron Purser]

Timely blog in light of your recent shining of a bright light in a dark, dark place and documenting the real intent of the so called "concerned care giver" in our family to my mother recently.

Even though family manipulations are more difficult to unravel than the type you describe here in your blog, sometimes it is enough to call a predator a predator in such a manner that they are exposed to the casual observer for what they truly are.

Thank you for your fine work on documenting the theft of my mother and father's substantial assets in my own family. It will be even more important on the other side of my mother's passing to know that no stone was left unturned in getting to the truth.

[brennessel]

Another interesting article. I look forward to reading these blogs, they always intrigue and interest me. I am very glad to being a part of this site. Thanks for keeping us informed and God Bless!