A real-life family feud is playing itself out in Houston's courts. There are accusations of missing cash and gold, and at the center of it all is one sister accused of stealing from her mother, who has dementia.
When Louise Staunton, 94, and her husband were making their fortune in Michigan and raising a big family, they probably never thought it would end up in a fight among their daughters.
"This is the last thing she needs in the twilight of her years," said attorney James Plummer.
One of whom is now in jail.
Janice Staunton Hines is a City of Houston Health Department Case Manager. She has not been at work since early December.
Hines flew to Michigan for a probate hearing and has been in jail for contempt ever since. The woman who coordinates disaster relief for hurricane victims is now accused of victimizing her own mother.
Houston attorney James Plummer represents Hines' sister. She's suing Hines and Hines' daughter claiming they looted nearly $800,000 from her mother's account. Hines' attorney says they've got it all wrong.
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Real-Life Family Feud In Houston Courts
So sad that family members can do this to their own mother. There situtation may have just went from bad to worse having an unrelated guardian appointed. Often the ward gets bounced around like a beach ball with attorneys and court appointed guardians all being paid hefty fees from the ward assets. There becomes no sense of urgency to resolve the problems while the money flows right out of poor old Louise's bank account.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that jail time is critical to discourage families from stealing.
ReplyDeleteBut there should be communication beteen parents and siblings to try to avoid these things.
I am sorry to see this; family feuds almost always end up in guardianship and then everybody loses.
ReplyDeleteI hope this family finds and joins NASGA.
Don't let the lawyers feed this feud, Staunton family!
ReplyDeleteTo the judge on this case:
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please get to the bottom of the allegations so this family can settle their differences and move on.
The attorneys will drag this on till the cows come home -- bleeding the estate all the way.
Don't let that happen here, please.
Oh mercy, help this family. The vultures are circling and they won't let go until all the money's gone.
ReplyDeleteThen the court won't care who is right here and who is wrong.
i'd rather see all i own go up in FLAMES as i'm on my way out
ReplyDeleteI know the Mrs Hines personally....She wouldnt do something like that..Really what everyone needs to do is mind their own business...stop sayin what they would and wouldnt do and pray for her and her family... I am keeping u in my prayers Mrs. Hines..Like u always say GODS got it!!!
ReplyDelete