It’s amazing in how many news stories are about estate abuse and probate corruption while others have interesting ties or illustrate patterns of behavior.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown says actor Corey Haim’s death was linked to a “massive illegal prescription drug ring.” Having confirmed his run for governor (again), Brown is in campaign mode and the pursuit of crime fighting in cases like the death of Anna Nicole Smith, Michael Jackson and now Haim presents high visibility opportunities designed to generate good “protecting the public” stump rhetoric in the upcoming race.  Meanwhile, The San Bernardino County Sentinel’s reporting on efforts to bury any real investigation of probate irregularities perpetrated by the legal industry and creating much harm in the lives of unsuspecting California families is a reminder of another “law and order” issue that AG (and candidate) Brown and other politicians will keep off the campaign trail.

Estate abuse and probate corruption are open secrets which most politicians are happy to keep.  People must understand that being “too busy” to bother with things like voting or having knowledge of the political process or their elected officials opens the door to this type heinous activity.  Government is best when operating in a limited capacity and under the watchful eye of the governed.

In other legal industry news, we’ve got a few LOOT (Lawyers Operating to Optimize their Take) stories.  First, a New York judge has postponed a ruling on a WTC first-responders’ health settlement pending review of what lawyers will make out of the deal. Not surprisingly, the lawyers are in an uproar.

In Florida, BrowardBulldog.org is reporting on Florida’s latest legal industry jobs stimulus program, also known as the Rothstein case.  A judge has been asked to authorize nearly $2.2 million in fees for less than three months work.

The guardian of the estate of the late Max Farash is continuing litigation against various Farash family members. The guardian tried several years ago to sell a piece of the family’s property designated for Farash’s only child in what appeared to be an unnecessary, heavy-handed maneuver.  Along the way, he and others involved benefited from billable hours generated by the dispute this land sale contrived - a trend that appears continuing today.

And though not a lawyer, former Niagara County Treasurer David S. Broderick has been seriously criticized in an audit of estates he handled. A report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli indicates that Broderick used his position as public administrator of estates to benefit friends and family.

The lack of respect for people and their property is mind-boggling.  Click here to read about another elder abuse case.  This one is out of New Mexico and involves two women indicted on charges of Medicaid fraud and elder abuse and neglect.  It seems they were happy to steal from both an elderly victim and taxpayers.

EoD is often asked how to avoid these situations.  Unfortunately, you can’t.  Real reform involving estate abuse perpetrators (including lawyers, judges, public officials) being treated as the criminals they are would be a good start.  For the time being, we hope to at least give you a fighting chance in recognizing the threats that are out there.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Couple of quick things to pass on.

Rick Green has a great Bob Englehart cartoon along with Englehart’s declaration that he’s “joining The Courant’s crusade to change the probate court system in the state of Connecticut.”

In the comments section, another probate crusader with a new web site www.myctprobate.com cites his mission as “to help others who have been wronged by a Connecticut Probate Judge.”

Fellow crusaders, welcome!

And while we are on the subject of probate judges - or former probate judges — any euphoria for former Judge Larry Seidlin and camp in their attempt for positive p.r. at the expense of Barbara Kasler, an elderly neighbor suing Seidlin (and others) for functionally looting her estate, was short-lived.  In a Tuesday Daily Pulp post, Bob Norman provides a compelling preview from an unnamed witness in the case.  Anyone interested in legal system integrity needs to read this as well as the comments that follow.

This case is only going to get uglier, but sadly, ugly exposed is exactly what needs to happen.

We’ve posted fresh stories in the EoD News Archive some of which are most deserving of comment.

As a dispatch from the Land of the Gimme-Gimme’s and the Home of the I-Want-Mores, a frequent EoD theme is the increasing number of people comfortable and willing to loot the assets of others.   Participation of the legal industry - be it attorneys or courthouse conspirators - in estate looting acts is well-documented on the pages of this site.  And now, an article out of Missouri further supports our point by citing a number of public officials banned from the state’s casinos and identified as paying for their gambling habits via theft of public funds to which their jobs provided access.  Bonnie Sue Lawson, a former Kansas City-area public administrator who stole from the estates of her disabled clients is mentioned, though not by name, in the article.

Also worth mentioning is Bernard Grenrood, a former Louisiana attorney, who has now pleaded guilty to six counts of theft.  In a grave robbing act, he stole part of a family’s inheritance.  Per the News-Star, a lawsuit was filed against Grenrood in that matter and he additionally was sued by two other parties alleging he failed to provide settlement funds due to clients.  The article doesn’t describe how Grenrood became the defendant in a criminal case, but it’s good (safer) for the public that he did.

Reports coming out of south Florida are providing an “empire strikes back” moment as headlines proclaim how the widow suing “Judge Larry” can’t remember why.  Seidlin’s former attorney, Russell Adler, is out of the picture as his law firm partnership with $1.2 billion Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein has made him the target of a civil lawsuit with criminal charges and disbarment potentially ahead.  Meanwhile, Seidlin’s new team is using recent depositions to create a little public relations chatter that positions the former probate judge as a victim previously exonerated of these egregious allegations.

A couple of brief points to consider in this matter.  First, Barbara Kasler is 84-years-old and not in good health.  According to the lawsuit, her fragility - brought on by age and infirmity - is what allowed Seidlin, his family and other “trusted professionals” to divert assets from Kasler’s estate for their own enrichment.  Take a look at our Kasler v. Seidlin’s case of Justice v. Public Corruption continues column for background on this case.  Check out this recent post from Bob Norman’s The Daily Pulp blog to find a recent television interview with Kasler by WSVN reporter Carmel Cafiero.  That the woman is confused doesn’t absolve anyone.  It accentuates the opportunity on which some appear to have capitalized and begs the questions of to what degree and for how long has she been this way?

Second point.  This was not a relationship that spanned decades.  Per the filing, the “friendship” took place from 2003 through 2008 during which assets and cash then-valued at more than $1 million was transferred out of Kasler’s estate.  Another EoD question is simple.  What ever happened to self-respect, pride, that sense of providing for oneself and family - not having your hand out seeking the “kindness of strangers”?  Another chapter of life in the Land of the Gimme-Gimme’s and the Home of the I-Want-Mores.

The Novack case in which Narcy Novack, widow of slain Florida millionaire Ben Novack Jr., is one to watch.  The Feds seem to think Narcy might have had something to do with her husband’s death.  It’s already been strange and could likely get  moreso.

Redd Foxx’s estate has problems - 19 years after his death.

And Steven T. Rondos.  While in jail awaiting sentencing for having fleeced his clients, many disabled or incapacitated, he now seeks payment for work he claims to have performed on their behalf.

You just can’t make this stuff up.

We’re here catching up on a number of postings.  Life is never dull and it’s incredible to see how random stories can come together with such a common thread.

A Lawyers.com survey indicates a drop in American estate planning.  As much as we spend time reporting on the abuses related to probate venues and documents, EstateofDenial.com still believes that such planning is essential.  Disgruntled family members and wannabe heirs can always find partnership opportunities within the legal industry to use estate planning documents to divert assets from intended heirs/beneficiaries, but with no documents making any attempt to communicate one’s final distribution of assets, the stage is set for even more unscrupulous opportunism and exploitation.

And no one is immune from such exploitation as the New York Daily News reports how the family of the late Judge John Phillips, a 17-year civil court judge, is suing a nursing home in connection with his death.  The article reports another probate-oriented aspect saying “A series of court-appointed guardians allegedly squandered Phillips’ assets, and he died owing more than $1.5 million in taxes and other debts.”

EoD finds it interesting that a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday says 56% of people questioned think the federal government has become too large and powerful and that it “poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.”  It doesn’t take much reading of this web site to know we agree.

Speaking of problematic government, the Denton Record-Chronicle reports how a county probate investigator is looking into a case of prospective financial exploitation by an elderly woman’s two caregivers.  Search “Denton County probate court” on this site and you’ll see why we find irony in even the premise of this story.  Nonetheless, you take progress, where you can get it and this investigation hopefully sends a message that looting assets of the elderly - or anyone otherwise disabled or incapacitated - is a lowlife way to make a living.  It is also hoped that voters won’t get fooled again with Tuesday’s primary and that the probate judge race generates something more than a “meet the new boss, the same as the old boss” candidate.

To round out this new group of articles, The Washington Times has a recap on probate implications that could impact every American through Marshall v. Marshall, the continuing legal battle of Anna Nicole Smith’s estate to extract never-designated or intended-for assets from the estate of J. Howard Marshall II.  A court ruling on this near 15-year-old case is expected in the near future.

And last, but never least, Judge Larry Seidlin is in the news again.  Yes, he is the one who gained notoriety during the Anna Nicole Smith disposition of the body hearing.  Check out Bob Norman’s recent post on The Daily Pulp.

Upon reading the allegations and background of the lawsuit against Seidlin, it’s understandable why people aren’t interested in depending upon an attorney to prepare estate documents (see above Lawyers.com survey, Denton County) or entrusting their government (see above CNN poll, Marshall v. Marshall) to administer justice when rights are violated and interests assaulted.

Grassroots activism is an important part of the American political process and today, it’s proving more effective than ever.

EstateofDenial.com has always believed that any probate reform is going to require confronting multiple levels and venues of elected officials as well as unelected policy makers (i.e., social services, court-appointed personnel) and policy shapers (i.e., the legal industry).

We also believe that localized activism is key to creating awareness, even outrage, regarding the assault on personal and property rights occurring via probate venues and probate instruments such as wills, trusts, guardianships and powers of attorney.

Having said that, Americans for Prosperity/Texas is providing information on maximizing participation in our upcoming primary.  In working with AFP, EoD is proud to have developed a probate abuse/accountability resolution.

AFP Provides Resolutions for 2010 Precinct Conventions

During this election cycle, more things will be decided than just candidate nominations.  On March 2, each of the political parties will hold precinct caucus meetings, where participants can present resolutions for consideration.

These resolutions will go on to county and senatorial caucus meetings later in March, and from there members of the parties will decide whether the resolutions will go on to the state conventions this summer.

Americans for Prosperity has provided several resolutions for your consideration. We have covered issues that are either not included in the present platforms, or that we feel must be made stronger.

Ending Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Voter Approval Requirements for Higher Government Spending
State Sovereignty
Probate Abuse and Accountability
Card Check

Click here to read more about the resolutions and how the precinct conventions work.

This information is timely and critical for Texans affected or concerned about probate abuse, but it has applicability for folks across the country.  We hope you will review this resolution to strengthen personal freedom/inheritance rights and consider presenting it in your community.