Does anyone have suggestions for getting help with unethical or illegal behavior

1. 72

   simondixieposted 10 years ago

   Does anyone have suggestions for getting help with unethical or illegal behavior of probate courts?
   
   I am referring not only to guardianship abuse of the elderly, but all the activities that go along with that----refusing to give copies of documents filed and other similar actions of the employees, especially the judges. I live in Alabama, so other states may have resources not available in my state. I need all the help I can get!

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2. 39

   Borsiaposted 10 years ago

   In CA it is pretty straight forward everything to be presented in court has to be made available to both sides in a dispute but for AL I really have no idea.
   I would suggest going to a family services center and talk to a lawyer, usually a first consultation is free.
   Also go to the court building and ask the clerks if they have the required records for viewing, they might not on an open case.
   If all else fails you will need to hire a lawyer.
   A great deal will depend on your relationship with the case. If you are directly involved (IE: family member) it should be fairly easy. If you have no blood connection it may be far more difficult.

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   1. 72

      simondixieposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We are getting another attorney. Since this is my mother, I should be able to get copies of the documents filed, but so far, the court says the records are not available. Family services is involved ((DHR) and I think that involvement is good.

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   2. 54

      Windy Gregoryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I would say to you....it doesn't matter how much information you can get from the courts, if the attorneys want the estate, they will take it. We found that out and if Simondixie hadn't stepped in, they would have taken everything!

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3. 65

   LandmarkWealthposted 10 years ago

   I would certainly seek legal counsel, and look for an attorney who specializes in estate work from your local area..  They usually have fairly good contacts within the system and can resolve such matters timely.

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   1. 72

      simondixieposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We are getting another attorney---however, we had to go out of our community/area. The main problem in the past is that the attorneys we hired were estate lawyers and they did not want to make the other attorney(s) mad with them.

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      Windy Gregoryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm Simondixie's sister-in-law and wanted to make it clear that we did hire a local attorney and that's where we got into trouble. Seems that there was a conspiracy to take everything that my mother-in-law has or ever thought of having.

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   3. 65

      LandmarkWealthposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's somewhat unusual in my experience of Financial Planning.  I know a number of excellent estate attorneys, but none in your state.  You may want to contact the State Bar Association if there are legit ethical complaints.

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   4. 72

      simondixieposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi,
        Am responding to your latest post (but no place there for me to comment). I don't doubt that you are unfamiliar with behavior. It's not the 3rd world---it's southeast Alabama. These people don't play by the rules--they don't expect to get caugh

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