The battle over Ayn Rand's legacy is happening in San Diego County

The daughter of Ayn Rand's heir, Leonard Peikoff, is seeking the courts to appoint a conservator to ensure Rand's estate stays in proper hands. 

Author: Dorian Hargrove 

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. — The battle over the future of the writer and founder of Objectivism, Ayn Rand, is now playing out in a San Diego courtroom.

Kira Peikoff Beilis, daughter of prominent Objectivist philosopher Leonard Peikoff, and recipient of Ayn Rand's estate, says her 91-year-old father is getting taken advantage of by his former caretaker-turned wife and a former San Diego prosecutor-turned writer. 

In her lawsuit, Beilis claims that her father has already signed over his Rancho Santa Fe mansion to his wife, Grace Davis, and that Ayn Rand's estate, which includes the copyrights to her most popular books, "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," could potentially be next in line.

The suit also names former San Diego County Deputy District Attorney and objectivist writer James Valliant, for allegedly helping Davis isolate Beilis from her father and drive a wedge between them.

Beilis is now asking a judge to place her father in a conservatorship to ensure Rand's estate will be placed in a foundation for safekeeping.

Who is Leonard Peikoff?

Beilis's father, Leonard Peikoff, was a professor of Objectivism and Rand's longtime confidante. Rand signed over her estate to Peikoff in 1982.

According to Peikoff's website, Peikoff traveled from his home in Canada to California to meet Ayn Rand in 1951 when he was just 17 years old. On his website, Peikoff states that he immediately connected with Rand, the characters in her novels, and her Objectivist philosophy— the pro-capitalist belief that values personal freedom, property rights, and self-interest.

“I had read The Fountainhead as an adolescent at a time when I was searching for values,” Peikoff wrote in his biography. “The novel had a hero I could admire. He was a guide as to how to live, a beacon in a world that seemed to be collapsing. Once I met Ayn, heard her speak, felt the force of her conviction, and grasped the logic of her ideas, I knew I had found a direction.”

Peikoff went on to get his doctorate and teach Objectivism. 

Upon Rand's death in 1982, Peikoff became Rand's legal heir.

Also on Peikoff's website is an interview he gave with his daughter, Kira Peikoff Beilis, in 2006. 

And while Kira Peikoff celebrated her father for his work, the two's relationship has since broken apart. 

Allegations of Harassment and Defamation

In her lawsuit, Peikoff Beilis claims that former San Diego prosecutor James Valliant has grown entrenched with Mr. Peikoff and his new wife, Grace Davis. Peikoff Beilis says Valliant launched a campaign against her in online forums by spreading false statements about her motives and relationship with her father. 

The complaint alleges Valliant accused Peikoff Beilis of financially exploiting her father and was a threat to Ayn Rand's legacy.

According to the lawsuit, after Beilis initiated conservatorship proceedings in 2024 out of concern for her father’s well-being and control over his estate, the attacks increased. 

Peikoff Beilis says Valliant intentionally leaked a private phone call that she had with her father in February 2024.

Now, Peikoff Beilis says her father's new wife and Valliant are draining her father's bank account, most recently signing over his $5 million Rancho Santa Fe home to Davis. Peikoff Beilis says doing so amounts to financial elder abuse.

Beilis is now asking the court to issue a restraining order against Valliant, to remove the recording of her and her father's phone call, and to prevent further privacy violations. 

Lastly, Peikoff Beilis is asking a judge to ensure that Ayn Rand's estate is donated to Rand's museum and not transferred to any third parties. 

The case will now proceed through the courts.

CBS 8 reached out to Mr. Peikoff, his wife, Ms. Davis, and James Valliant. None of the three responded to our emails.  

Full Article & Source:
The battle over Ayn Rand's legacy is happening in San Diego County

CONSERVATOR CHAOS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator at risk of removal by judge after star suffers debilitating stroke

by Teresa Roca  

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator is at risk of removal by a judge after the star suffered a debilitating stroke, The U.S. Sun has exclusively learned. 

Frank’s friends filed an emergency appointment of a temporary guardian and conservator for the star on August 18, claiming his decision­-making capacity is impaired after the July stroke at his home in Iowa.

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Frank Fritz's conservator is at risk of removal by an Iowa judgeCredit: Coleman-Rayner

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An inventory report was not filed by the due dateCredit: History Channel

The U.S. Sun has exclusively obtained court papers that reveal a “Notice of Delinquency for Conservatorships" was filed on June 2.

An inventory report was not filed by the due date of December 12, 2022. 

The court papers read: “Failure to file the same within sixty (60) days from the date hereof will result in: (1) a report being made to the presiding judge (2) the fiduciary(ies) being subject to removal (3) a report being made to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and the Administrator of the Judicial Branch, and (4) a report being made to the Committee on Professional Ethics and Conduct (which may result in disciplinary action being taken).”

According to the court filing, MidWestOne Bank is the conservator, while Frank’s friend, Chris Davis, is the guardian.

UNDER CONSERVATORSHIP

The U.S. Sun broke the news that the conservatorship was filed in August 2022. 

The documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, allegedly confirming Frank does not have decisional capacity.

The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Petitioner requested a separate longtime friend of Frank’s, who has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke, be his guardian. 

The guardian will help Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment and continued physical therapy. 

He will also help the former American Pickers star grocery shop, cook, and get him to any activity he feels up to doing.

FRANK'S FINANCES

MidWestOne Bank filed an Initial Plan that revealed Frank’s monthly expenses.

Frank spends $28,292 monthly on expenses, including $22,832 on in-home health care.

The health care alone will cost $273,984 yearly for the star.

The U.S. Sun recently obtained new photos of Frank’s property that show a wheelchair ramp has been built for him.

The wheelchair ramp could be seen around the back of the Le Claire, Iowa, house.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Frank has struggled with his health in recent months as The U.S. Sun has exclusively obtained four 911 calls placed from the house, resulting in Frank being rushed to the hospital. 

On November 17, Frank’s caregiver called 911 because he was having a seizure.

She told the operator: “He just came home from inpatient rehab for a stroke. He just had a full-blown seizure, maybe more than one… He's been shaking.”

She then asked the operator if there is anything she can do to help him, as she was transferred to medical. 

On December 7, another caregiver called 911 for elevated blood pressure. 

She said on the call: “I have a 59-year-old stroke victim with elevated blood pressure.”

You could hear Frank moan in the background, as she could be heard telling him: “You have to go because your blood pressure is too high."

He responded: "Oh."

In the final two calls, another caregiver called 911 on December 21 for possible pneumonia.

Frank’s guardian then called the next day. 

He said in the call: "I'm going to need an ambulance to take someone to the hospital because I think they have pneumonia. I'm the guardian. He's handicapped. He's wheelchair bound."

FRANK'S FIRING

Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. 

During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds.

He also told The U.S. Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank revealed his feud with co-star Mike during the 2021 interview with The U.S. Sun.

Frank said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.

"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.

"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”

He even admitted: “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me."

FRIENDS AGAIN

But a friend told The Quad-City Times that Frank and Mike had a tearful reunion over Memorial Day Weekend. 

The pal said: "This was not a feud between Mike and Frank at all. They were not feuding. They needed separation to appreciate each other."

The friend explained that the longtime buddies' relationship became tense after 11 seasons of working 10-hour days, seven days a week on the reality TV show.

She informed the newspaper that Mike and Frank were both in tears during their long-awaited reunion.

The friend disclosed: "Both were crying," before adding that: “Mike brought up how nervous they both were to be going on David Letterman, which was one of their first big appearances."

Mike told his former co-star: "Nobody can replace you, Frank," while admitting that it was Frank’s "uniquely funny personality" that contributed to them working so well together for the 11 years they spent making the show.

The arrangements were made after Frank told the friend: "I need to talk to Mike,” so she called the TV personality on Mother's Day to make the plans.

The insider ended: "Mike really stressed all the good times they had before the show and during the show.

"Mike did say he’d like Frank back on the show, but Frank is focused on his health."

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Frank suffered a stroke in JulyCredit: Coleman-Rayner

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His conservator and guardian made changes to his Iowa home, including adding a wheelchair rampCredit: The US Sun

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Frank and his former co-star Mike Wolfe recently had a tearful reunion after years of feuding

Full Article & Source:
CONSERVATOR CHAOS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator at risk of removal by judge after star suffers debilitating stroke

See Also:
PAY UP American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer demands to be paid $2K for his services in tragic case

Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

PAY UP American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer demands to be paid $2K for his services in tragic case

by Teresa Roca

AMERICAN Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer has demanded to be paid over $2,000 for his services in the case. 

Frank, 59, was placed under a conservatorship after he suffered a debilitating stroke on July 14, 2022 that left his decision­-making capacity “so impaired.”

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A lawyer in Frank Fritz's conservatorship case is demanding over $2,000Credit: Coleman-Rayner

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Frank suffered a stroke in JulyCredit: History Channel

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal lawyer Nate Legue, who represents Frank’s conservator and guardian, requested $2,030 for his “legal services.”

His services include telephone calls, court appearances, drafting court filings, conferences and more. 

The Iowa judge on the case “granted” the request, and ordered the guardian and conservator to pay the fees. 

PAY UP

 Frank’s lawyer filed a Motion to Approve Attorney Fees in February. 

Frank's attorney, who was appointed to him by the court, requested the conservator, which is MidWestOne Bank, to pay $1,200 in fees. 

The court document reads: “The undersigned respectfully requests the Court approve the reasonable attorney fees in the above matter and grant authority to the court-appointed conservator to pay out such fees.” 

The fees include $450 to visit Frank in the hospital twice, $120 for his appearance at the guardianship hearing in September 2022, $150 to review court filings and more. 

The judge on the case approved the request. 

FRANK'S CONSERVATORSHIP

Frank’s friends filed an emergency appointment of a temporary guardian and conservator for the star on August 18.

The documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, confirming Frank “does not have decisional capacity.”

The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Petitioner requested a separate “longtime friend” of Frank’s, who “has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke,” be his guardian. 

MONEY MATTERS

MidWestOne Bank is the conservator to handle Frank’s financial affairs.

The guardian and conservator were both approved by the court.

MidWestOne Bank filed an Initial Plan that revealed Frank’s monthly expenses.

Frank spends $28,292 monthly on expenses, including $22,832 on “in-home health care.”

The health care alone will cost $273,984 yearly for the star.

The court papers read: “Assets will be invested to start generating income for Mr. Fritz.”

The conservator has not inventoried Frank’s many collectibles and antiques, but they plan to “leave them largely as they are now.”

The conservator will work with the guardian to “integrate Mr. Fritz into management decisions as he continues to recover.”

A checking account with a “small balance” will be available for Frank’s “personal use.”

The conservator will also “work to apply for disability income for the protected person should he be eligible.”

Frank owns the antique store Frank Fritz Finds in Illinois.

The Initial Plan filed by conservator MidWestOne Bank read: “Mr. Fritz is a well-known collector and has numerous outbuildings full of valuable collections. 

“The conservator has not yet inventoried those items but plans to leave them largely as they are now, with the exception of stocking Mr. Fritz’s antique store in Savannah, IL as needed. 

“Conservator is hopeful [Frank] will be able to participate in selection and pricing of items as he did previously.”

Frank entered an Iowa rehabilitation center after his release from the hospital on September 6.  

STRUGGLE AFTER STROKE

The U.S. Sun previously reported four 911 calls placed from the house, resulting in Frank being rushed to the hospital when he was released from rehabilitation. 

On November 17, Frank’s caregiver called 911 because he was “having a seizure.”

She told the operator: “He just came home from inpatient rehab for a stroke. He just had a full-blown seizure, maybe more than one… He's been shaking.”

She then asked the operator if there is anything she can do to help him, as she was transferred to medical. 

On December 7, another caregiver called 911 for elevated blood pressure. 

She said on the call: “I have a 59-year-old stroke victim with elevated blood pressure.”

You could hear Frank moan in the background, as she could be heard telling him: “You have to go because your blood pressure is too high."

He responded: "Oh."

In the final two calls, another caregiver called 911 on December 21 for “possible pneumonia."

Frank’s guardian then called the next day. 

He said in the call: "I'm going to need an ambulance to take someone to the hospital because I think they have pneumonia. I'm the guardian. He's handicapped. He's wheel-chair bound."

FRANK'S FIRING

Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. 

During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds.

He also told The U.S. Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank revealed his feud with co-star Mike Wolfe during the 2021 interview with The U.S. Sun.

Frank said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.

"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.

"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”

He even admitted: “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me."

But Mike, 58, has denied the stars are feuding.

American Pickers stars Mike, Robbie and Danielle Colby. 

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The star is currently under a conservatorship

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Mike Wolfe's brother Robbie replaced Frank on the showCredit: Instagram/@rjwolfepicker

Full Article & Source:
PAY UP American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer demands to be paid $2K for his services in tragic case

See Also:
Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

 

FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

by Teresa Roca

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s judge has made a major ruling in the star's conservatorship case after the star suffered a stroke. 

Frank, 59, was hospitalized for a stroke on July 14 after a friend found him on the floor of his Iowa home. 

An Iowa judge has made a major ruling in American Pickers alum Frank Fritz's conservatorship caseCredit: Coleman-Rayner

Frank's friends filed for emergency guardianship after the star suffered a stroke in JulyCredit: Zachary Maxwell Stertz/History Channel

Frank’s friends filed an emergency appointment of temporary guardian and conservator for the star on August 18, claiming his “decision­-making capacity is so impaired.”

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal an Iowa judge approved the Guardian’s Initial Care Plan for Protected Person filed on October 18. 

As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Frank has been at a rehabilitation center since he was released from the hospital on September 6.  

According to the plan, the guardian’s responsibility will be to "facilitate all care needs, provide transportation to all medical appointments and help with all social and domestic needs.”

By the time of Frank’s discharge from the rehabilitation center, his Iowa farmhouse must have “ramps” and “handles” for the shower and toilet. 

The guardian will help Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment and continued physical therapy. 

He will also help the former American Pickers star grocery shop, cook and “get Frank to any activity he feels up to.”

The court papers revealed Frank has no will for his $6million fortune.

He was unemployed at the time of the stroke, according to the filing.

FRANK'S NEW LIFE

The U.S. Sun previously reported Frank would be under a temporary guardianship and conservatorship. 

The documents read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, confirming Frank “does not have decisional capacity.”

The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Petitioner requested a separate “longtime friend” of Frank’s, who “has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke,” be his guardian. 

A bank would be the conservator to handle Frank’s financial affairs.

The guardian and conservator were both approved by the court earlier this month.

MEDICAL CRISIS

Frank was hospitalized for a stroke on July 14 after a friend found him on the floor of his Iowa home. 

In an interview with the Quad-City Times, an insider revealed that Frank was on the mend, and his health was improving daily.

The friend told the publication: "He would like everyone to know he continues to get better every day and is very determined.

"He really is getting better every single day.”

The friend also alluded that Frank was not happy his hospitalization was released to the public by his former friend and co-star Mike Wolfe.

The source said: "While Frank was not prepared at the time for his condition to be published, he is grateful for all the prayers and well wishes.”

FEUD WITH MIKE

Frank's former co-host Mike Wolfe, 58, broke the news of the stroke by captioning an Instagram photo of the ex reality star soon after the hospitalization: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he’s been on.

"There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight." 

“Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy," he concluded.

Frank previously confirmed to The U.S. Sun that the longtime friends had a falling out.

LIFE AFTER PICKERS

Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. 

During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds.

He also told The U.S. Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank previously said: “I went to rehab and I’ve been sober now for 11 months.

“I didn’t like drinking anymore. My mom was an alcoholic and she died five years ago and it was alcohol-related. My grandfather was an alcoholic and he died. That didn’t sit well with me.”

Frank said of his time in treatment: “They gave me a lot of information and we were booked up for 13 or 14 hours a day. There was no sitting around watching TV or eating food. You were scheduled out for an hour, then an hour and half, all through the day.

“They really give you a lot of one-on-one time. I read 12 self-help books while I was there. I didn’t f**k around. I really got into it. I went there to learn and get the most out of it that I possibly could. 

“I had a great time there and I helped other people who were having problems too. It’s one of the best things that have happened to me.”

Frank continued that he goes to meetings "twice a week” after the stint.

FRANK'S FIRING

Frank was open about wanting to return to the History Channel series after his hiatus, as he said: “I’d still like to get back to my job, I miss my friends and my people and being on the road and meeting all those different characters.”

But Mike soon revealed Frank had been fired from the series.

Frank owns an Iowa farmhouse that he bought for $155,000 back on May 14, 2010.

The show currently stars Mike, his brother Robbie, and Danielle Colby.

A judge approved the guardianship planCredit: Coleman-Rayner

Frank- here with ex co-host Mike Wolfe- was fired from American Pickers in 2021

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FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

by Courtney Crowder

Frank Fritz

Frank Fritz, Iowan and former co-host of the reality show “American Pickers,” has been placed under a temporary guardianship following a debilitating stroke, according to court documents.

“Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care,” states a petition for guardianship filed in August. He is also “unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

While Fritz recovers, a guardian “is necessary to avoid immediate harm,” the petition states.

On July 14, Fritz — who owns Frank Fritz Finds, an antiques store in Savanna, Illinois — was found unresponsive in his Davenport home and rushed to a local hospital. He was released to a rehabilitation facility in mid-August, where he continues to recover, court documents show.

“There are sufficient allegations to warrant appointment of a guardian and conservator on an emergency basis, including a letter from the Protected Party’s physician indicating he is unable to make decisions for himself,” Judge Henry Latham wrote in an order approving the guardianship.

A longtime friend was installed as guardian of Fritz’s care, and a local bank took over conservatorship of his finances. The guardian, who has been assisting Fritz since his stroke, and others involved declined through a lawyer to speak with the Register.

Fritz and Mike Wolfe, his childhood friend and reality TV co-star, achieved fame for their series, “American Pickers,” which followed the collectors as they traveled the country looking for antiques.

Premiering in 2010, the show diverted from the “Antiques Roadshow” format of shooting on a controlled set and featuring expert commentary. Instead, Wolfe and Fritz leaned on their streetwise knowledge and razor-sharp gut feelings as they traveled backroads and small-town Main Streets for looking for stories in equal measure to picks — as fans call the objects they buy.

Their folksy formula created reality show gold, making “Pickers” a ratings and rerun juggernaut for years.

But fans noted that Fritz was missing from episodes dating back to the start of the pandemic. In July 2021, Wolfe made his co-star’s exit from the show official in an Instagram post.

“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” Wolfe wrote. “…I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)

In the ensuing two years, tabloids like The Sun have breathlessly covered Fritz’s post-“Pickers” life, including a split from his former fiancée, a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse and extreme weight loss.

Fritz’s stroke was first reported by Wolfe in an Instagram post this summer, asking viewers to pray for his former co-star.

“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he’s been on,” Wolfe wrote. “There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”

“Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)

A friend of Fritz’s told the Quad-City Times that Wolfe’s post came as a surprise, but the collector hopes “something positive” can come out of the attention his health has received.

"While Frank was not prepared at the time for his condition to be published, he is grateful for all the prayers and well wishes," the Times reported the friend said.

"He would like everyone to know he continues to get better every day and is very determined," she told the Times. "He really is getting better every single day."

Full Article & Source:
Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

FRANK IN CRISIS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s friend files for conservatorship after stroke left him ‘unable to care for himself’

by Teresa Roca  

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s friend has filed for an emergency conservatorship after a stroke left him “so impaired” he is “unable to care for himself.”

Frank, 58, was hospitalized for a stroke on July 14 after a friend found him on the floor of his Iowa home. 

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Frank Fritz's friend has filed for an emergency conservatorshipCredit: Coleman-Rayner

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The TV star is 'impaired' after suffering a strokeCredit: Coleman-Rayner

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Frank’s “longtime friend” filed an emergency appointment of temporary guardian and conservator for the star on August 18. 

In Iowa court papers obtained by The U.S. Sun, Frank remained hospitalized for a month after suffering the stroke, as he was expected to be released to a nursing facility on August 19. 

The documents read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, confirming Frank “does not have decisional capacity.”

The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Petitioner requested a separate “longtime friend” of Frank’s, who “has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke,” be his guardian.  (Continue reading)

Full Article & Source:
FRANK IN CRISIS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s friend files for conservatorship after stroke left him ‘unable to care for himself’