Laurie Roberts - What Fiduciaries are Saying About Probate Abuses

Somebody sent me the e-mails going around among fiduciaries across the state, in response to the The Republic’s stories last weekend on abuses in Maricopa County’s probate system.

The e-mails were written under the heading: AFA Membership Call to Action

Having seen that subject line, I was hoping that it would be a call to fix the problems outlined in The Republic’s Sunday package. But that, apparently, isn’t exactly the action the fiduciaries of the state have in mind. Instead, the talk is about hiring a PR expert, somebody who can “use language and events effectively to the benefit of their clients."

Nice.

Here’s the e-mails going around around yesterday on the Arizona Fiduciaries Association list-serv when they think we can’t hear them. I am taking their names out, but it’s the sentiments expressed that are important – and quite telling, I think.

The string begins with a few words of commiseration from a California colleague:

Dear Arizona Colleagues:
We have been dealing with this nonsense in California since 2000. There were a series of articles in the LA Times which lead to California enacting the Fiduciary Licensing Law SB1550 in 2006. There are a number of factions out there that do not understand the probate law or the courts. They have had some kind of experience, usually when family members have been robbing Mom or Dad blind and get caught, who are quick to criticize and get some newspaper or television reporter to buy into this nonsense. They have personal agendas.

There is a website called StopGuardianAdbuse.org. It has lists of people that are being targeted. It is total nonsense and I am sure they will be all over this story in short order.

And a reply by someone in the Arizona Fiduciaries Association:

They already are. They have been posting comments to all of the articles with a link to their website. Can you send me a private email with your number? I know I had it but I have since misplaced it and I want to chat with you about how fees work in CA since that is one of the examples being brought up by the committee. Thanks!
Also, for those of you not yet aware, I have been elected to the NGA board of directors. I will be attending the conference this weekend in PA and plan to solicit the assistance of the NGA in managing the press/image issues. So I should have more to report on that at the summit.

Full Article and Source:
Here's What Fiduciaries are Saying About Probate Abuses