Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Seattle woman: 'Guardianship system stole my mother'


(Click picture to watch video)

From her earliest days, Dorothy Haskell of Spokane lived life her way.

"My mother was very strong willed, independent and opinionated," said her daughter, Lori Haskell.

After getting married and raising two kids in Spokane, Dorothy Haskell had no intention of leaving the house that she and her husband built, even after he died in 1984, according to Lori.

"This house was her pride and joy, she did not want to leave it. She loved this little house, she really did," Lori said.

Neighbors agree that Dorothy was a force to be reckoned with.

"Always jokingly thought in my mind that she would have to be drug kicking and screaming from her house because she was very independent and liked where she lived," said Janet Sanders, who lived next to Dorothy Haskell for more than 20 years.

But when Dorothy reached her mid-80s, her physical and mental health were declining. Lori said she wanted to move her mother into assisted living in Spokane, or to Seattle where Lori runs her own law practice.

"I brought it up to her several times, she would not discuss it."

Lori says when she drove her mother to an assisted living facility in Spokane just to take a look, Dorothy refused to get out of the car.

Legally, Lori couldn't force her mother move--not unless she were declared totally incompetent. Lori says she and her mother's doctor felt that Dorothy should be evaluated.

The experts determined that Dorothy was still legally competent, a decision that Lori says left her in a difficult position.

"If my mother won't move and she is still legally competent I have no authority to move her," she said.

Lori continued to travel back and forth between Seattle and Spokane. There were happy visits for birthdays and holidays, but Lori says there were clashes when Dorothy fired people Lori had hired to help.

Oddly enough, it would be Dorothy's dog "Duffy" that set in motion the events that would change everything. After a visit to a Spokane veterinary clinic, the veterinarian's wife, Kathryn Rush, struck up a friendship with Dorothy.

"She told me that she liked elderly people and she wanted to work with my mother and she had been checking in on her. And it was not a formal situation, she was kind of doing the 'good Samaritan' thing," Lori said.




Full Article, Video & Source:
Seattle woman: 'Guardianship system stole my mother'

11 comments:

Diane said...

I am so sorry!! What an awful story! I understand Lori's pain and frustration. It is wonderful that you were able to bring media attention to it.

Finny said...

There are predators everywhere and I have to admit, I wouldn't think a predator would be employed in the Vet's office.

Karen said...

This family, like all the rest, went through absolute hell. I hope Lori joins NASGA if she hasn't already. Every one of these stories is more incentive to fight for reform.

Anonymous said...

Praying for this family.....

Mary said...

What happened to Dorothy Haskill was criminal and should be prosecuted.

Anonymous said...

STOLE is exactly the right word.

Charlene said...

It is an awful story, but we've heard the same type of story again and again. I commend the reporter who did this story for bringing it to the public's attention. And thank you, NASGA, for posting as well.

Sue said...

No surprises here for those of use who have years of knowledge, those of use who are and have studied numerous cases, it's the same old pattern, different players, different circumstances but the outcome is: the court will appoint a parade of friends of the court, all who have self serving reasons to control the person and estate.

The daughter, a lawyer did have an advantage and I am relieved Lori Haskell was effective.

We are looking in the mirror we know what's coming for our parents, for ourselves.

Kathleen said...

Another horrible story of a stolen life. Very happy Lori got her Mother released ! Many families never do.

Rick said...

It turns my stomach to see another family go through this torture. Lori got her Mother back and that is unusual and so fortunate. But the family went through hell.

tina d said...

Predators are everywhere. Say this and some people might conclude those of in the know are paranoid. So be it. Each case each article proves the predators ARE everywhere looking for quick profit. Beware and be aware who is watching and know their motive and intent. $60K later the daughter is successful which is unusual.

"After a visit to a Spokane veterinary clinic, the veterinarian's wife, Kathryn Rush, struck up a friendship with Dorothy."