Notes on a few recent postings.
Suit accesses Martinsburg attorney of ‘undue influence’ in parents’ wills (WV).
So they probably meant “accuses,” not “accesses.” Past that, undue influence, tortious interference with expectancy from an estate – who better knows how to orchestrate and/or execute such actions than an attorney? This will be an interesting one to watch. Here at Estate of Denial® we don’t hear much from the state of West Virginia. So, while Marybeth Printz’s misconduct allegations against her brother, Charles F. Printz Jr., follow a familiar pattern, what may be most interesting is seeing how the West Virginia legal system responds to one of its own potentially being caught with a hand in that proverbial cookie jar.
Over the last weeks, EoD has posted several stories about Alameda County Superior Court Judge Paul Seeman. Between this and the Rosa Parks estate dispute in which Wayne County (MI) Probate Judge Freddie Burton Jr. recently declined stepping down from the case based on accusations of misconduct, that whole Dreamgirls’ “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” soundtrack (from either of the Jennifers – Holliday or Hudson) stays playing in the background. Once upon a time when judicial integrity more seemingly existed, these type allegations would have spawned as much concern about protecting judicial integrity and the rights of parties coming before the court as about the judges themselves. Are accusations of impropriety hanging over a judge’s head something courtroom litigants should even have to wonder if might impact their cases? Thankfully, Seeman is taking a “leave” until his matter is resolved – of course, it took a few weeks to get to that point. Meanwhile, Burton stays on the bench.
Tear down the mountains/Yell, scream and shout/You can say what you want/I’m not walkin’ out…
Heirs want mayor Peter Kelly removed (CAN).
And it’s not always just attorneys who aren’t going. The heirs of a now-deceased Canadian woman named Mary Thibeault would like to see Halifax mayor Peter Kelly out as Thibeault’s executor. Indications are they’ve got good reason for exactly that. And making things worse, the heirs are racing a deadline in which estate records documenting Kelly’s action/inaction can be eligible for destruction, a move which could dramatically impede legitimate settling of the estate and holding Kelly accountable for questionable conduct in connection with his administration of the estate. Kelly has announced he won’t run for re-election, but again – you start wondering what it takes in today’s political world for someone to show an ounce of respect for their constituents over their own self-interests.
Stay tuned! More to come!!
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.