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Tag: Probate

Letter in mail for probate hearing

Why You MUST Respond to Letter about Probate Court

July 15, 2020
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So you got a letter in the mail from someone (relative, lawyer, doctor,…) saying a hearing is scheduled for you for “Probate Court”. Your first reaction is, “What is this for?  I don’t need anyone helping me, or any court telling me what to do”.  This reaction is fine, but DON’T IGNORE THE PAPERS. You see, anyone can file an application with probate court, saying that your are incapacitated, and that you need help managing your life and money. Oh, so you don’t believe it?  Google how to file guardianship in your state.  You will see something like: 1- Fill…

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Health & Home Protection in the Age of Covid-19

July 13, 2020
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Just as things start to re-open, the coronavirus effects more people.  More people admitted to hospitals; more people on respirators; more people sick; more people dying. It is time that you put the appropriate documents in place to protect you and your family.  Without the right documents in place, should something happen to you, your family will be reliant on state laws and probate courts to appoint individuals who will be responsible for your financial affairs and health-care decisions. AND, if you have your estate documents in place, now is the time to review and update those documents. Documents You…

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Cremated Remains in Guardian Office

Cremated Remains of 9 people found in Guardian’s Office

July 10, 2020
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Rebecca Fierle, a professional guardian in Orlando Florida, had the cremated remains of nine people in her office, and she is linked to the death of a 75-year-old Florida client, according to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Orange County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Rebecca Fierle’s Orlando office. “Alarmingly, we found items that are cause for concern and will intensify our investigation. We found nine cremains. We are now in the process of identifying those and furthering the investigation,” Moody said. Fierle is facing a criminal investigation and the governor…

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Probate Advocate

Probate Watch

June 30, 2020
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This Organization Wants to Improve the Probate System Probate Watch is made up of groups of people whose lives and loved ones have been impacted by probate court guardianship and conservatorship.  They are actively lobbying their legislatures and state organizations to drive change. If you have been impacted by the probate court’s guardianship or conservatorship, you can take their survey, which helps to collect data that will be used to drive change within the probate courts. Probate Watch focuses on Minnesota Probate; however, you can complete their Minnesota Survey or any other state. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Along with…

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Do You Need a Will

I Don’t Own Anything, Why Do I Need a Will?

June 29, 2020
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First let’s make sure that is an accurate statement. Do you have a car? Do you have a bank account; checking or savings account? Do you have a 401K plan where you work? Do you own a timeshare? Do you own any collectibles like shoes, clothes, art,…? Do you have furniture? With just that short list above, you could own a number of things when you stop to think about it. First, take time to think about the things that you own, then make a list. Second, go over that list and determine is you want a certain person or…

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Durable Power of Attorney is Important

Why a Durable Power of Attorney is Important

June 27, 2020
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Three reasons why a durable power of attorney is important -1-  The proper execution of durable power of attorney can help to avoid the costs, delays, and emotional distress of mental capacity evaluation proceedings. -2-  You don’t have to risk the court appointing a conservator or guardian that may not be in line with your wishes. -3-  Activities and transactions occurring via a durable power of attorney are kept private. With a court-appointed guardian and conservator, court supervision is part of the deal and actions taken on behalf of an incapacitated person are recorded and can be accessed by the…

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Judge Doug Patterson

Judge Steals Money from Incapacitated Person

June 26, 2020
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In Alabama, 2019, Judge Doug Patterson was serving as the conservator for Charles Hardy; when Judge Patterson stole $42,800 from Charles Hardy.  The Alabama Attorney General charged Judge Patterson with three felonies, including use of official position or office for personal gain; financial exploitation fo the elderly in the first degree, and theft of property in the third degree. Charles Hardy, who is now deceased, was an incapacitated senior living in a Limestone County nursing home for military veterans. At the time Judge Patterson became his conservator, Charles Hardy account had over $43,000. By December 2016, the account had less…

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