I would like to thank The Arizona Republic for investigating the Probate Court system in Maricopa County and how the incapacitated seem to fall victim to the private fiduciaries that are appointed by the courts ("In Ariz., probate controls minimal," Sunday). Our state legislators do not seem to care that the life savings and investments of the victims are eaten up by horrible fees imposed by their "guardians."
It would seem there are laws in other states that limit the fees charged by fiduciaries. I had always thought that a guardian was supposed to look out for someone's welfare, not spend them penniless. Our legislators seem overly interested in federal issues and are not howling about the almost helpless citizens in this state being overcharged or victimized. I, for one, would like to see the Legislature start tending the home fires and quit carping so much about the federal government.
- Charley Gwinn, Phoenix
Source:
Editorial: Legislature Should Protect Citizens
Once they are elected, one cannot depend on their support to benefit the people of their district, or the State. If one watches the laws we have, federal and State laws, it is lack of Law Enforcement, which makes crime and violations of law possible, because it is not being investigated, if it does not make the headlines. Who cares about the elder citizens, unless a crime is made public. Legislators are not required, or authorized, to investigatge or even report elder abuse and exploitation. It is Lack of Law Enforcement - the perpetrators get away with abuse and exploitation.
ReplyDeletecrime
In those states that have caps on fees, there is also a law that says a fiduciary can be awarded more for "exemplary" work.
ReplyDeleteAnd so, you know that's how they get more than the cap.
Thank you Charley Gwinn. Consider joining NASGA and helping us fight this battle!
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting the legislators to do something. I bet the taxpayers are paying several government agencies to investigate elder abuse. If lawmakers create these agencies, they should make sure that employees are doing their jobs.
ReplyDeletethere is no other solution than that the feds intervene.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the state attorney general in this?
ReplyDeleteIt may seem like there are laws in other states that limit the fees charged by fiduciaries but, I am here to tell you there is not!! This white collar crime goes on all over our country. Until folks like us get the word out and demand change, it'll continue to happen. It is professional thievery!! We all thought a guardian was supposed to look out for someone's welfare until we fell prey.
ReplyDeleteHow do I know??? My mother a resident and domiciliary of PA is currently being held against her will by a "Professional Guardin/Thief" Jetta Getty from Port Orange Florida. Getty snagged my mother while mother was on vacation.
The State Attorney General has little knowledge of what is going on. All Complaints are handled by office assistents...and if the person does not fit the bill of the indigent (as in my case - in Oregon) they won't bother to even investigatge elder abuse.
ReplyDeleteI have evidence of a criminal case of fraud - but they are all hiding behind "it's a civil matter" and "we do not have the funds to investigate" "White Collar" crime.
It seems, as citizen's we should be protected by law...Not so. One have more luck, if one is an illegal resident...They must keep up appearances!!! Erna Boldt - a victim