The legal industry says that Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) cases in which property of the dead or disabled/incapacitated is looted via probate venues or probate instruments such as wills, trusts or guardianships don’t really exist. Or, that at best, claims made by sites such as EoD are “overstated.” That these cases can happen quietly, often never coming on the radar of governmental authorities (or at least none that care) is what makes them appealing for members of the legal industry and other nefarious individuals. While the down economy will certainly contribute to rising numbers of these cases, the “shot in the arm” experienced by this growth industry is mostly stimulated by our aging population. In other words, looting the estates of old people can be lucrative.
Having said all that, the EoD News Archive has several new stories. First, the guardianship petition sought by Peter Falk’s daughter for her father seems unlikely. A late May hearing is scheduled to discuss potential visitation for Falk’s daughter Catherine Falk as she claims Falk’s current wife, Shera, is denying visits with her father. The right or wrong of this case is unknown. Suffice to say we find it sad that the last days of an actor like Peter Falk who brought enjoyment to so many are overshadowed by this type turmoil.
An update on the conservatorship of Britney Spears serves as a reminder that young people can be targeted for IRA or at least be subjected to questionable situations with regard to their estates. Some months ago, media reports indicated Britney likely needed intervention in her life. New information, however, is now coming to light on the large amounts of money being made by Britney’s father and other attorneys through her conservatorship status. Jamie Spears, Britney’s father, is reported to be threatening a Britney fan web site for copyright infringement, but the site’s creator says he believes it is more likely due to his outspokenness regarding those he believes are profiteering from the singer. While people sometimes need to be protected from themselves, they also can become prey for unscrupulous individuals with alternative agendas. Anna Nicole Smith was one such person and speaking of….
We’ve got the latest installment from Bob Norman at the Broward-Palm Beach New Times about Judge Larry “Sideshow” Seidlin’s elder abuse and estate looting allegations. Remember Judge Larry — he’s the Florida judge who oversaw the Anna Nicole Smith body custody proceeding. Sideshow Seidlin is now accused of mistreating an elderly neighbor as well as potentially using undue influence to gain access to her estate. In previous blogs, Bob Norman reminds readers that Seidlin, a former probate judge, could certainly know how to loot an estate.
And finally, jury selection is starting on the Anthony Marshall trial. Marshall, son of New York socialite Brooke Astor, and attorney Francis Morrissey are charged with looting nearly $200 million from Astor’s estate. We’ve got plenty to say about this case, but with the trial expected to last for two or so months, we’ve also got time.
Remember that EstateofDenial.com is available via RSS feed so that you can be alerted every time we post new material. With so much going on in the world of IRA, estate abuse and probate disputes, you won’t want to miss a thing!
Estate of Denial® provides news, analysis and commentary on abusive practices occurring in probate courts and via probate instruments (wills, trusts, guardianships, powers of attorney). We provide original perspective to educate the public regarding this growing threat to both individual freedoms and property rights.
