The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to amend the state guardianship law to require disclosure of any criminal record by individuals seeking to become conservators.The bill was prompted by the case of Jewell Tinnon, 82, of Nashville, who was placed in a conservatorship after a request by two of her grandchildren. Her story was featured in Sunday’s Tennessean as part of an examination of conservatorships, which are intended to protect those no longer able to care for themselves.
While Tinnon was under court-ordered control, her house, car and all her possessions were sold off, with the proceeds going to pay legal and other fees. The judge overseeing the case, 7th Circuit Probate Court Judge David “Randy” Kennedy, eventually released her from the conservatorship after she obtained medical exams showing her competency. But with her assets gone, she is now living in government-subsidized public housing.State Sen. Mae Beavers, a Mt. Juliet Republican and the Senate sponsor, said the bill also would give judges considering a conservatorship petition greater discretion on who was responsible to pay lawyers’ fees and other costs related to the case.
She said that under the current law, only the target or ward of the conservatorship can be charged the fees. The new provision would allow a judge to charge other parties, such as someone who filed a frivolous or unwarranted petition.
The House version of the bill filed by state Rep. Gary Odom, a Nashville Democrat, is scheduled for a vote Monday.
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Nashville Woman's Plight Leads Senate to Amend Guardian Law
6 comments:
It's a good beginning but only a beginning.
Judges like Kennedy must be stopped from violating individual rights.
The benefit rule applies to guardianship and that should take care of wards getting stuck with the bill. The problem in this area is not the law, but the judge!
Judge Kennedy needs to go. The rush to conserve ensures the ward pays for their own incarceration imagine that.
Now who do you suppose influenced the legislators to omit specific language (is it really not there?)with language that benefits those who profit? Think for a moment ah there you got it!!
Watch your backs folks because there is a big ol' $ sign on your back.
It's a good start, but as Thelma said, the start must continue.
I hope the legislature doesn't think it can just feed us a carrot and we'll be happy.
That should make Ms. Tinnon feel good. But, she'd feel better if her case were reviewed and compensation and resitution were ordered.
I tell you what will make Jewel feel good is for her to get back in HER house, get HER stuff back, HER clothing, HER jewelry, HER furniture, HER automobile. GIVE IT BACK to the owner! And, give her back all HER money now, now now will that happen? **ll no!
And, will Michael Hoskins get paid lots and lots and lots of money for his role in this? Where will Jewel be while Hoskins is counting his cut of the cash if they win judgment against the defendant(s)?
Who donated that television set to Jewel? Jewel needs help now, today what a sick system makes me so angry and sad all at the same time.
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