HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-02649
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STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
plaintiUe
v.
JOAN G. MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in-Fact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Gronerl and ROBERT
MOORE, individually and as
Attorney for Attorneys-in-Fact
and the Executors of the Estate
of Hannah Law Groner,
Defendants
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND coUNTy, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NO. (It.. - J{..l/9 0, I
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JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
~OTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against
the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action
within twenty (20) days after this complaint and Notice are served,
by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and
filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the
claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to
do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be
entered against you by the Court without further notice for any
money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the plaintiff.
other rights important to you.
You may lose money or property or
you SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR Cl\NNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Court Administrator
cumberland County Courthouse - Fourth Floor
1 Courthouse square
Carlisle, pennsylvania 17013-3387
Telephone (717) 240-6200
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STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NO. 't'1.' j(. '1 Ii [1'<<.,'1
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JOAN G. MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in-Fact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Groner, and ROBERT
MOORE, individually and as
Attorney for Attorneys-in-Faot
and the Executors of the Estate
of Hannah Law Groner,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD is an adult individual
residing at 2405 East Cochise Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Plaintiff MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE is an adult individual
residing at 723 North River Street, Apartment 1, Wormleysburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. Defendant SHELDON LAW GRONER is an adult individual
residing at 49 East Fifth Street, Bloomsburg, Columbia County,
Pennsylvania.
4. Defendant JOAN GRONER MOORE is an adult individual
residing at 414 Carol Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
5. Defendant ROBERT MOORE is an adult individual reaiding at
414 Carol Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. Defendants Robert Moore and Joan Gl'onel' Moore held a
power of attorney for HANNAH LAW GRONER.
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7. Defendant Robert Moore performed legal services for
Hannah Law Groner during her lifetime, represented Hannah Law
Groner's attorneys-in-fact, and now is the attorney for the
executors of Hannah Law Groner's estate.
8. On January 14, 1994, Hannah Law Groner ("Decedent") died
at Leader Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, of cardiorespiratory failure at the age of 94,
leaving a will dated January 14, 1986. Decedent was the mother of
Defendants Sheldon Law Groner and Joan Groner Moore, and the mother
of Plaintiffs' mother, Barbara Ann Groner Gaustad, who predeceased
Decedent.
9. Plaintiffs believe and therefore aver that at all times
preceding her death, Decedent was mentally sound and competent.
10. Decedent's last Will dated January 14, 1986, devised her
real estate and improvements situated on Millsite Lake, Redwood,
Jefferson County, New York, in the following manner:
A. A one-third interest to her son, Sheldon Law Groner;
B. A one-third interest to her daughter, Joan Groner Moore;
C. A one-sixth interest to her granddaughter, Melissa
Gaustad Shope (Plaintiff); and
D. A one-sixth interest to her grandson, Stephen L. Gaustad
(Plaintiff) . A photocopy of the Will is attached as
Exhibit A.
11. Decedent's Will also provided for a distribution to each
of her grandchildren of "the sum of TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) dollars,"
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and directed that Melissa Gaustad Shope (Plaintiff) and Stephen
Gaustad (Plaintiff) receive one-sixth of the residue of the estate.
12. Decedent's Will appointed her children, Sheldon Law
Groner and Joan Groner Moore, as her Executors.
13. Charles B. Pursel, Esq., of the Law Offices of Den',
Pursel, Luschas & Norton, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, prepared
Decedent's Will.
14. Five years previously, on June 11, 1981, Decedent had
appointed her children Joan Groner Moore and Sheldon Law Gron!!r 111I
her "true and lawful attorneys" under a Power of Attorney, iI copy
of which is attached as Exhibit B. The Power of Attontey WIIlJ not.
prepared by the Law Offices of Derr, Pursel, Luschas & Nol'l.OI11
rather, it was prepared by or under the direction of Robert Mooro,
Esq., husband of Joan Groner Moore.
15. On July 1, 1986, less than six months after Pecedent
executed her Will, Joan Groner Moore and Sheldon Law Orono1' "nn
attorneys-in-fact" for Decedent "pursuant to a POWe1" of Attorney
dated June 11, 1981, and recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk'n
Office concurrently herewith," conveyed to Sheldon Law Oroner tlnd
Joan Groner Moore as tenants in common "all those cCl'taln trnctll or
parcels of land situate in the Town of The1'esa, County of Jnfforllon
and State of New York," with the address at Mill /iltl! Lake,
Redwood, New York. A copy of the July l'lllli IJ.wd III <tt.t.nched as
Exhibit C.
16. The sum of One Dollar wall 1'I!1:lt,.c1 .111 Iii., 1~llnllldtlrlltion
for the transfer of the New YOl'k pnlp"ll y I I 11 III 111.11I1111'11, Jonn
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Groner Moore and Sheldon Law Groner, as attorneys-in-fact for
Decedent to Grantees, Joan Groner Moore and Sheldon Law Groner, as
tenants in common.
17. Plaintiffs believe and therefore aver that the fair
market value of the New York property greatly exceeded the recited
consideration of One Dollar.
18. The Deed attached as Exhibit C specifically recited that
"[b]y Power of Attorney dated June 11, 1981 . Hannah Law Groner
appointed S. Law Groner and/or Joan G. Moore as her attorneys-in-
fact with authority to convey real estate."
19. The Power of Attorney did not contain language
specifically authorizing the attorneys-in-fact to make substantial
gifts to themselves or others.
20. The Deed was not prepared by the Law Offices of Derr,
Pursel, Luschas & Norton; instead, the Deed was prepared under the
direction of Robert Moore, Esq., husband of Joan Groner Moore.
21. The Deed was recorded on October 6, 1986, in the Office
for Recording of Deeds, Jefferson County, New York.
22. Decedent's 1986 Will specified that it was her "sincere
wish" that "the above named [beneficiaries in , 10 above] make
every effort to keep this property in our family so that it is
available for use by family members."
23. Decedent's previous Last Will dated February 28, 1979 had
devised a one-third interest in the New York property to S. Law
Groner, a one-third interest to Joan Groner Moore, and a one-third
interest to "Barbara Groner Gaustad, Stephen S. Gaustad and Melissa
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the first time from Sheldon Law Groner that the New York property
was not part of Decedent's estate because Sheldon Law Groner and
Joan Groner Moore, acting under the Power of Attorney, had gifted
the property to themselves by way of the July 1, 1986 Deed.
28. Defendants have refused to restore the property they
converted to Decedent's estate or to Plaintiffs.
29. By notice dated April 25, 1994, Joan Groner Moore
informed Plaintiffs that their sole beneficial interest in their
Grandmothers' estate was "a specific bequest of $200 and 1/6 of
residue." A copy of the Notice forwarded to Plaintiff, Melissa
Gaustad Shope, is attached as Exhibit E.
COUNT I - CONVERSION
30. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through
29 as though fully set forth here.
31. Defendants all had knowledge of and agreed to participate
in a scheme to defraud Plaintiffs of their right to inherit and
possess the share of Decedent's realty which she intended them to
receive.
32. Defendants had knowledge of and agreed to participate in
a scheme to abuse their confidential relationship with Decedent to
convey Decedent's realty to themselves.
33. Defendants had knowledge of and agreed to participate in
a scheme to abuse their confidential relationship with Decedent to
fund their transfer of her realty to themselves, and to fund their
maintenance of the realty.
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34. Defendants accomplished their scheme to secure an
advantage for themselves by intentionally deceiving Decedent, who
had at all times relied upon and trusted Defendants, her children
and her son-in-law, to carry out her wishes and to act in her best
interests.
35. Defendants have committed a fraud upon Plaintiffs by
diverting to themselves property Decedent willed to Plaintiffs.
36. Defendants are constructive trustees of the realty and
funds wrongfully appropriated and converted to their own use.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request this Court:
(a) to direct Defendants to provide Plaintiffs with an
accounting of all monies and property wrongfully converted by them;
(b) to direct Defendants to convey to Plaintiffs their
rightful possessory interest in the converted realty, by good and
sufficient deed of conveyance, free and clear of any encumbrances;
(c) to enter judgment against Defendants for compensatory
damages in excess of $25,000.00, an amount above the jurisdictional
limit for compulsory arbitration, plus whatever relief the Court
deems just and proper;
(d) to enter judgment against Defendants for punitive damages
because Defendants' actions constituted intentional, outrageous,
and malicious conduct;
(e) to order whatever relief the Court deems just and proper,
including the award of reasonable legal fees, costs, and interest.
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COUNT II - BREACH OF FXDUCIARY DUTY AND
WASTE OF ESTATE ASSETS
37. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through
36 as though fully set forth here.
38. Defendants owed a fiduciary duty to Plaintiffs, because
they knew Plaintiffs were beneficiaries of Decedent's will.
39. Defendants' deceptive conduct reduced the value of the
corpus of Decedent's estate,
thus causing harm to the
beneficiaries' interests.
40. Defendants wilfully and intentionally breached their
fiduciary dutie~ to Plaintiffs by:
(a) repeatedly engaging in instances of self-dealing to
convert Decedent's assets to themselves without the knowledge and
consent of Decedent or Plaintiffs;
(b) wasting the assets of Decedent;
(c) undermining and thwarting Decedent's decisions as to the
disposition of her realty and assets;
(d) deliberately diverting Plaintiffs~ right to inherit and
possess their share of Decedent's realty.
41. All Defendants assisted or participated in these breaches
of their fiduciary duties with full knowledge and with the purpose
and intent of facilitating the commission of their scheme to harm
Plaintiffs' interests as beneficiaries.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request this Court:
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(a) to direct Defendants to provide Plaintiffs with an
accounting of all monies and property which they wrongfully
expended and converted;
(b) to direct Defendants to convey to Plaintiffs their
rightful possessory interest in the converted realty, by good and
sufficient deed of conveyance, free and clear of any encumbrances;
(c) to enter judgment against Defendants for compensatory
damages in excess of $25,000.00 an amount above the jurisdictional
limit for compulsory arbitration;
(d) to enter judgment against Defendants for punitive damages
because Defendants' actions constituted intentional, outrageous,
and malicious conduct;
(e) to order whatever relief the Court deems just and proper,
including the award of reasonable legal fees, costs, and interest.
Respectfully submitted,
1'-<
John D.
In 1I070BO
Jane G. Penny
In 1125673
21B Pine Street
P. O. Box BB6
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 232-1B51
Dated: May 13, 1996
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
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1. H~NAH ~~ GRONER. of the Town of Bloo~lbUrq;
Colu~bia county. pennlylvenia, being of eound end dllPoling
~lnd. memory en~ underltending, do hereby make my Lalt ~ill Ind
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Teltlment. And revOu .ny .nQ .l_~;\ :.:' .r .,odLcLlI by me At Any
tLme heretofore made.
J FIRST. t dLrect mY executore. herelnefter nemed, to
pey ell mY eetete eettlement coete, medLcAl and funeral
expaneea. And debtS And accountS as loon after my deceala as
convenientlY may be done.
SECONO' t dlrect payment of ell lnheritanCe Ind eltete
taxee due on property pallln9 under thi1 Will al Lf expenlel of
adminietratLon. t dLrect thet all luch taxee due on property
pilI Lng outaLda of thls Will shIll De paid by the perlons
rlcelving the property.
"T111RDI 1 give and bequeath to each of rtrf qrandchlldren
lurvivinq at the date of rtrf deceaee the eUI1l of ~O HUNDRED
($2DD.ODI DOLLARS.
.lrouRTH' 1 give end devise my real eltete wlth
,mprovements and contentS eituate on HilleLte Lake, Redwood.
Jefferaon countY, Hew york, Ln the followLnq manner and on the
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followinq conditLonsl
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A. ,. one-third interest therein to S, u.~ GRONER.
B. ,. one-third intareat tharein to JOAN GRONER MOORE.
C. ,. one-sixth intereat therein to HllLISSA GAUSTAD.
O. ,. one-sLxth Lnterest therein to STErHEN GAUSTAD.
E. It L. my sLncere wLlh thet the above nAmed p~rlonl
make every .ffort to ~eep thLs property in our family ao thAt it
La evaLlable for use by famLly me~ers" t hope that lame
arranqement can be devised so thAt taxea and Lnsurance premiUI1ll
and other expenles can be faLrly distributed amonq the ownerl
baled on the,r cLrcumstances and the uae of the property.
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EXI1IIJIT ",v'
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this Will Ihauld pred.ce..e ~, the .here atherwi.e 9ain9 to
.uch d.ce..ed ben.fici.ry .h.ll be di.tribut.d in equ.l .her..
to Mil ar her th.n-llvin9 chlldnn, and If .ny .uch dhtrlbut....:; .e': "
.h.ll be und.r the .ge af el9htun (181 year., 1 do h.nby . f-,.
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.ppaint tho .pauU af .uch d.c....d beDeUchry .. the ' "
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1'. I dinct that no pi roan haldin9 I fr.ctian.l
Lntere.t Ln this praperty .h.ll 1111 or tr.n.fer Ln .ny w.y .ny
Lnt.re.t Ln thl property except to .nother child or 9r.ndchLld
of mLne. Any Ille or tr.n.fer not mlde to · child or 9r.ndchl1d
of mini .h.ll bl effective only if .11 owner. unanimou.ly Ivrea.
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J rlrTH. t further dirlct th.t ~EE A. GAUST~ .hall hav.
no nqnt to u.. ~r un]U, ..,. ,",:,,~. ""kl "roo.rtv.
/ SIXTH.
All the re.t, re.iduI .nd reaaioder of ~y
..tate, of what.oever character and wher..oover
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devL.e and bequI.th in the fallowin9 mlnn.r.
A. on.-third th.reof to S. LAW GRONER.
B. one-third thereof to JOAN GRONER MOORE.
C, one-.ixth th.reaf to KE~ISBA GAUST~.
D. one-.Lxth thereaf ta STEPHEN GAUST~.
v SEVENTH. In the event th.t .ny beDefici.ry neaad in
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Te.t.mentlry Gu.rdian af the eltltl of .uch child ar childraD.
EIGHTH. 1 namin.te, can.titute Ind .ppoint S. LAW
GRONER and JOAN GRONER MOORE, or the .urvivor af th.~. Ixacutar.
of thi., my WLll. No executar .hlll be required ta furni.h bDad
or .urety in any juri.diciton.
/' NINTH. After my de.th and durin9 the ad~ini.trltiaD ae
~y e.t.tl, no part of my e.t.te .hlll be aubject to IttachmlDt
or executIOn or othlr 11ql1 proc... by per.on. or
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(1!::i042 :.'.'E 126
POWER OF ATTORNEY
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KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, HANNAH LAW
GRONER (a/k/a Mrs. S. Sheldon Groner) have constituted, made and
appointed, and by these Presents do constitute, make and appoint
JOAN G. MOORE and S. LAW GRONER, or e1ther ot them, ~y ~rue and
lawful attorneys, (hereinafter referred to as Umy attorneyU).
1. To ask, demand, sue for, recover and
receive all sums of money, debts, goods,
merchandise, chattels, effects and things of
whatsoever nature or description which are now or
hereafter shall become owing, due, payable, or
belonging to me in or by any right whatsoever, and
upon receipt thereof, to make, sign, execute and
deliver such receipts, releases or other
discharges for the same, respectively, as my
attorney shall think fit.
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2. To deposit any moneys which may come
into my attorney's hands as such attorney with any
bank or banker, either in my or my attorney's own
name, and any of such money or any other money to
which I am entitled which now is or shall be so
deposited to withdraw as my attorney shall think
fitl to sign mutual savings bank and federal
savings and loan association withdrawal orders I to
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EXIUIlIT "n"
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sign and endorse checks payable to my order and
to draw, accept, make, endorse, discount, or
otherwise deal with any bills of exchange, checks,
promissory notes or other commercial or mercantile
instrUments: to borrow any sum or SUIIIS of money on
sucn ~erms dna w~cn Qucn Qecurl~Y dS my ~ct:=~ey
shall think fit and for that purpose to execute all
notes or other instruments which may be necessary
or proper: and to have access to any and all safe
deposit boxes registered in my name.
3. To sell, assign, transfer and dispose of
any and all stocks, bonds, including U. s. savings
Bonds, loans, mortgages or other securities
registered in my name; and to collect and receipt
for all interest and dividends due and payable to
me.
4. To invest in my name in any stock,
shares, bonds. securities or other property, real
or personal, and to vary such investments as my
attorney, in their sole discretion, may deem best;
and to vote at meetings of shareholders or other
meetings of any corporation or company and to
execute any proxies or other inBtrUmentB in
connection therewith.
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5. To enter into and upon all and singular
real estate, and to let, manage, and improve the
same or any part thereof, and to repair or
otherwise improve or alter, and to insure any
buildings thereon; to sell, either at public or
prlva~e sale or exchange any par~ vr par~~ ~. ~J
real estate or personal property for such
consideration and upon such terms as my attorney
shall think fit, and to execute and deliver good
and sufficient deeds or other instrUments for the
conveyance or transfer of the same, with such
covenants of warranty or otherwise as my attorney
shall see fit, and to give good and effectual
receipts for all or any part of the purchase price
or other consideration; and to mortgage; including
purchase money mortgage, and to execute bonds and
warrants and all other instrUments and documents
in connection therewith and relating thereto and
such power shall not be in limitation of any other
powers set forth.
6. To contract with any person for leasing
for such periods. at such rents and subject to
such conditions as my attorney shall see fit. all
or any of my said real estate; to let any such
person into possession thereof; to execute all
such leases and contracts as shall be necessary or
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proper in that behalf; to give notice to quit to
any tenant or occupier thereofl and to receive and
recover from all tenants and occupiers thereof or
of any part thereof all rents, arrears of rent,
and sums of money which now are or sball hereafter
become due and payable 1n respec~ ~ereoij dDQ
also on nonpayment thereof or of any part thereof
to take all necessary or proper means and
proceedings for determining the tenancy or
occupation of such tenants or occupiers, and for
ejecting the tenants or occupiers and recovering
the possession thereof.
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7. To commence, proscecute, discontinue or
defend all actions or other legal proceedings
touching my estate or any part wbatsoever, or
touching any matter in which I or my estate may be
in any wise concerned; to settle, compromise, or
submit to arbitration any debt, demand or othet
right or matter due me or concerning my estate as
my attorney in their sole discretion, shall deem
best and for such purpose to execute and deliver
such releases, discharges or other instruments as
my attorney may deem necessary and advisable; and
to satisfy mortgages, including the execution of a
good and sufficient release, or other discharge of
such mortgage. "I~;:1042 ": 129
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ll!:~1042 I!.i. 130.
B. To execu~e, acknowledge and file Federal,
State and local inco~e tax and personal property
tax returns.
9. To engage, p.mploy and dismiss any
dgen~s. ;ler~s, Jer:an~s ~: ;the ;ersons !s ~1
attorney, in their sole discretion, shall deem
necessary and advisable.
10. In general, to do all other acts, deeds,
matters and things whatsoever in or about my
estate, property and affairs and things herein,
which I may at any time own or be entitled to,
either particularly or generally described, as
fully and effectually to all intents and purposes
as I could do in my own proper person if person-
ally present and active, giving to my said attorney
power to make and substitute under them an attorney
or attorneys for all the purposes herein described,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that the said
attorney or substitute or substitutes shall do or
purport to do, therein by virtue of these presents.
11. In addition to the powers and discretion
herein specifically given and conferred upon my
attorney, and notwithstanding any usage or custom
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to the contrary, to have the full power, right and
authority to do, perform and to cause to be done
and performed all such acts, deeds, matters and
things in connection with my property and estate
whatsoever now belonging to me or hereafter to
belong ~o me or ~o w~cn 1 may oe ~n~l~lea ~a ~.y
accounting as my attorney, in their sole discretion,
shall deem reasonable, necessary and proper, as
fully, effectually and absolutely as if they were
the absolute owner and possessor thereof.
12. This power of attorney shall not be
affected by my disability or incompetence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this n\r day of June, 1981, to this and the preceding five
(5) pages and I have also placed my initials on each preceding
page for better identification and greater security.
Witness:
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Law Groner
~::~1042 '.'~ 131
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ll!::i042 ,:~r,t,.132
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COMMoNWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
coUNTY OF DAUPHIN
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on the t/8 day of June, 1981, before me a Notary Public.
?er~onal:J appeared ?~^ LAW GRONER known (or satisfactorily pro-
ven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged that she executed the same for the pur-
poses therein contained. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my
hand an4.R{t~cial seal.
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luch dlltrlbutlll Ihlll bl undlr thl "6" of Il,htlln (18) yelrl. t do hlrlby
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of the ..tat. of luch child or children.
E. In the event that Barbara Cronlr Cauatad should
pudlc.a.. aI. the ahar. athervS.. loinl to luch d.c....d beneUcary Ihall
bl dl.trlbutld to hlr chlldrln, In Iquel Ihlrl..
\, '1m" I noainate, eonlUtuU and .ppoint S. Lav Craner and JOin
Gron.r Hoar., or tb. lurvivar of th.., Exacutarl of thil. ~ Will. No
Exlcutor Ihall be rlquired to furntlh bond or luraty in any jurildiction.
-/'SIXTHI Altlr., dl.th Ind durlns thl .dalnlltr.clon of ., .IC.tl,
DO plrt of my ..tatl .hall bl lubJ.ct to .tt.c~nt or ...eution or othar
1..al prac.I. by p.rlon. or plrti.. claiata. ...in.t blnafieS.ri.l. No plrt
Df ., eltece Ihlll bl elll'nlbll by eny blnlflcllry.
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rlqua.t. in har pr...nc. Ind in thl pr..lnel of ..ch. have h.reunto Iub-
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VERIFICATION
I, MELISSA G. CLINE, hereby verify that the facts stated in
the attached document are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false
statements made subject me to the penalties contained in 18 Pa.
C.S. ~ 4904, Unsworn Falsification to Authorities.
\'......_C) 'n.-. _!\ ~\: ~
MELISSA G. CLINE
Date: '.\'"';\ \"\ , ,,",,'\l,.
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undcrsigncd hcrcby ccrtifics \hllt on this dUIC. U truc und corrcct copy of foregoing
Entry of Appcllruncc was scrved viII first-c1l1ss 11111i1l1pOn thc liJllowing:
John /), KilIillll. Esq,
KilIiun & Gcphllrt
218 Pinc Strcet
1',0, Box 886
lIurrisbllrg.I'A 17108
Robcrt Moorc. Esq,
McllC. Evuns & Woodsidc
340 I North Front Strcct
1'.0. Box 5950
Ilurrisbllrgl'A 17110.0950
4JaMrI ~
-'
David E, Lchman
Dutc: Muy 16, 1996
..'
-
.
MELISSA G. CLINE and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
STEPHEN S. GAUSTAD, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs ,
I
JOAN G. MOORE and S. LAW GRONER" NO. 96-995 CIVIL TERM
ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT for ,
HANNAH LAW GRONER, and I
Executors of the Estate of ,
HANNAH LAW GRONER, and ,
ROBERT MOORE, ,
Defendants ,
STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
,
,
, CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
,
I
, NO. 96-2649 ~
,
I
,
,
,
, JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
I
I
,
v.
JOAN G. MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in-Fact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Gronerl and ROBERT
MOORE, individually and as
Attorney for Attorneys-in-Fact
and the Executors of the Estate
of Hannah Law Groner,
Defendants
AND NOW, this
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
?-3-.(,1- day of May, 1996, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED
AND DECREED that a Rule to Show Cause is issued upon Defendants,
Joan G. Moore and Sheldon Law Groncr and Robcrt Moore, and their
counsel, Michael D. Reed, Esquire, to show causc as to why the
following actions should not be consolidated for trial:
No. 96-2649 Equity Term and No. 96-995 Civil Term,
(D~.
'RAY 20 f!l96 ~
MELISSA G. CLINE and
STEPHEN S. GAUSTAD,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 96-995 CIVIL TERM
JOAN G. MOORE and S. LAW
GRONER, Attorneys-in-Pact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Groner, and ROBERT
MOORE,
Defendants
STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUN'l'Y, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
v.
JOAN G. MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in-Pact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estmte of
Hannah Law Groner, and ROBERT
MOORE, individually and as
Attorney for Attorneys-in-Pact
and the Executors of the Estatel
of Hannah Law Groner,
Defendants
NO. 96-2649
/'"
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER OP DEPENDANT. ROBERT MOORE. TO
PLAINTIPPS' MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE
Defendant, Robert Moore, by his attorneys, Caldwell << Kearns,
does respond to Plaintiffs' Motion to Consolidate and accompanying
Rule to Show Cause, issued May 23, 1996, stating as follows, to
wit:
1. Admitted,
2. Admitted,
1
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted. In further response it is averred that
following appropriate Notice Pursuant to Pa, R.C.P. 237.1, and no
Complaint having been filed, the action in No. 96-995 upon
Defendants' Praecipe was marked Non Pros on or about May 29, 1996.
It is further understood that on or about June 4, 1994, Plaintiffs
did file a Petition to Strike and Open the Judgment of Non Pros,
and further seeking leave to correct the caption of the Complaint,
currently captioned at the Equity Docket No. 96-2649.
5. Admitted. See response to paragraph " which is
incorporated herein by reference thereto. It is further noted that
contemporaneously herewith, Defendant, Robert Moore, has filed
Preliminary Objections to said Complaint in Equity. In addition,
Plaintiffs have filed a Petition in an Orphans' Court proceeding,
docketed to No. 296 Orphans 1996, whereupon the court issued a
Citation on May 1, 1996, directing Respondents to file a response
to the Petition docketed therein. A response to said petition is
being filed contemporaneously herewith to that action.
6. Denied. The action which had been entered at No. 96-995
has subsequently been subject to the filing of a Judgment of Non
Pros and subsequent filing of a Petition to Strike/Open.
Accordingly, if such petition to Strike/Open is unsuccessful, there
is no action with which the Equity matter could be consolidated.
It is acknowledged, in further response, if consolidation is to be
considered, that it arguably would be more appropriate to
2
VERIPICATION
I, Robert Moore, Esquire" verify that the Answer to
Plaintiffs' Motion to Consolidate are true and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa, C.S.A. 4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
Dated:
~1Al- /()df/f/' ~
~~
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STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
v.
IN THE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION . EQUITY
NO. 96-2649 EQUITY TERM
JOAN G. MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in'Pact for
Hannah Law Groner, and JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Gronerl and ROBERT
MOORE, individually and as
Attorney for Attorneys'in'Pact
and the Executors of the Estatel
of Hannah Law Groner, I
Defendants I
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OP DEPENDANT
ROBERT MOORE
AND NOW, comes Defendant, Robert Moore, by his at torneys,
Caldwell & Kearns, and files the following Preliminary Objections,
to wit:
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. 1509lcl
1. On or about February 22, 1996, Plaintiffs commenced an
action in law against the identical Defendants causing issuance of
a Writ of Summons under Civil Docket No. 96-995, a true and correct
copy of which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit "A" and made a
part hereof by reference thereto,
2. While no complaint has been filed to said action, the
said Plaintiffs did cause to have issued a Rule on May 23, 1996, by
the Honorable Harold E. Sheely, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
1
of Cumberland County, a Rule as to why the said action in law
docketed to No. 96-995 civil and the instant Equity action should
not be consolidated for trial.
3. Plaintiffs filed the instant equity action on or about
May 13, 1996, setting forth therein certain allegations allegedly
entitling said Plaintiffs to equitable relief but additionally
requesting monetary compensatory and punitive damages.
4. By Rule issued on April 17, 1996 and served April 22,
1996, Plaintiffs were directed to file a Complaint pursuant to Rule
through the action at law docketed to No. 96-995. Thereafter, a
ten day Notice was served on Plaintiffs on May 16, 1996 pursuant to
Pa, R.C.P. 237.1.
5. On May 29, 1996, Defendants filed a Praecipe to Enter
Judgment of Non Pros for the action docketed at law to No. 96-995.
6. On or about June 4, 1996, the Plaintiffs did file a
petition for Relief from Judgment Non Pros to the action docketed
to No. 96-995, alleging therein in paragraph 3 that the Complaint
filed in this action in equity should have been filed to the legal
action docketed to No. 96-995.
7. By virtue of said actions and averments of PlaintiffS,
Defendant Robert Moore raises the objection of the existence of a
full, complete and adequate remedy at law.
2
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THB FORM OF
INSUFFICIENT SPECIFICITY IN A PLEADING
8. The averments of the Complaint failed to state facts, or
inferences from facts, in which to support a cause of action
against Defendant, Robert Moore, under existing law.
9. Alternatively and in addition, the Complaint fails to
state facts or inferences from facts in which to support a cause of
action for attorney's fees and/or punitive damages with regard to
Defendant, Robert Moore.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Robert Moore, requests your Honorable
Court to dismiss with prejudice Plaintiffs' Complaint or such
offending portions thereof against said Defendant.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE FORM OF THE
CLAIMANTS' INSUFFICIENT SPECIFICITY IN THB PLEADING
10. The Complaint with regard to Defendant, Robert Moore,
avers but that he prepared a Power of Attorney almost fifteen years
ago in favor of Defendants, Joan G. Moore and Sheldon Law Groner,
which was executed on June 11, 1981, by Hannah Law Groner, now
deceased.
11. The Complaint furthermore states that on or about July 1,
1986, the said Joan Groner Moore and Sheldon Law Groner, as
attorneys-in-fact and pursuant to said Power of Attorney, did
convey to themselves a certain tract of land situate in the town of
3
Theresa, County of Jefferson, State of New York, which deed, was
allegedly prepared under the direction of Defendant, Robert Moore,
husband of Defendant, Joan Groner Moore.
12. Count I of the Complaint, titled "Conversion" alleges the
Defendants committed a fraud upon Plaintiffs by diverting property
to themselves and are constructive trustees of the realty. The
Complaint contains no averments that Robert Moore diverted the
property to himself and/or was owner of, or the trustee of the said
realty.
13. Count II of the Complaint, titled "Breach of Fiduciary
Duty and Waste of Estate Assets" fails to set forth any facts
whatsoever to support paragraphs 39 and 40 regarding alleged
reduction of value and waste of the Decedent's estate with regard
to Defendant Robert Moore.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Robert Moore, request your Honorable
Court to dismiss Count I and that portion of Count II of the
Complaint dealing with waste of the estate assets as to said
Defendant, Robert Moore.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE PORM OF PENDENCY
OF A PRIOR ACTION
14. Prior to the institution of this action, the Plaintiffs
herein did file a Petition with the Court of Common Pleas of
Cuntberland County, Orphans' Court Division, docketed to No. 296
4
exhibit A
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CERTIPICATE OP SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving notice of the
filing of the foregoing document upon the persons in the manner
indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same
in the United States Mail, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-
class postage, prepaid, as follows:
John D. Killian, Esquire
Jane G. Penny, Esquire
Killian & Gephart
218 Pine Street
P.O. Box 886
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0886
David E. Lehman, Esquire
McNees, Wallace & Nurick
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Michael D. Reed, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
'-
Jam s R. Cl ,~nger
Dated: June
10
, 1996
72781-1
96-321
ocliuu (number 96-2649) nnd Ihe Orphnns' Cuurt proceeding (nllmber 296 Orphnns' 1996),
Huwever. PlnintilTs hnve not sought consolidntion of those two nctions,
WHEREFORE. Defendonts Joan G, Moore nnd Sheldon Lnw Groner reqlJest thnt the Court
deny eonsolidotion, ns requested in the Motion of Plaintiffs,
Respectfully submilled,
McNEES, WALLACE & NURICK
nyi ~~
David E. Lehmnn
l.D, #15243
100 Pine Streel
P.O, Dox 1166
lIarrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232.8000
Allorneys for Defendnnts Joon G. Moore
nnd Sheldon Low Groner
Date: June 7. 1996
- 3 .
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STEPHEN L, GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v,
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
JOAN G, MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, Individually and as
Attorneys-in-Fact for
Hannah Law Groner, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Groner; and ROBERT
MOORE, individually ond as
Attorney for Attorneys.ln-Fact
and the Executors of the Estote
of Hannah Law Groner,
Defcndants
No, 96-2649
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Stephcn L. Gaustad
Melissa Gaustad Shopc
You ore hereby notified to plead to the cncloscd New Motter, AffirnlOtive Defenses and
Counterclaims within twenty (20) doys from service hereof or a dcfault judgmcnt moy be entercd
ogainst you.
~:~;r:';/luro~
~ E, Lehman
100 Plnc Street
1'.0, Box 1166
Harrisburg. I' A 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Attorncys for Defendants Jonn G, Moore
and Sheldon Luw Groncr
Dated: June 7, 1996
,-
STEPHEN L. GAUSTAD,
MELISSA GAUSTAD SHOPE,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
JOAN G, MOORE and SHELDON LAW
GRONER, individually and as
Attorneys-in-Fact for
Honnah Law Groncr, and
Executors of the Estate of
Hannah Law Groncr; and ROBERT
MOORE, individually ond as
Attorney for Attorncys-in-Fact
and the Executors of the Estate
of Hannah Low Groner,
Defendants
No, 96-2649
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATIER,
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES AND COUNTERCLAIMS
Joan G, Moore and Sheldon Low Groncr, Defendonts in the above-referenced action. make
the following Answer to the Complaint which hos been filed by Plaintiffs. Stephen L. Gaustad and
Melissa Gaustod Shope, in the obove-referenced motter.
1.-6, The overments of parogrnphs I through 6 of the Complaint are admitted.
7. Denicd ns stated, It is denied that Robert Moore represented "Hannah Law Groner's
attorneys-in-foct". It is admitted thot Robcrt Moore performed legal scrvices for Hannah Law
Groner during her lifetime and is the attorney for Hannah Law Groner's estate,
8. Admitted,
9. Denied, Defendants believe nnd over thot nt some times. nllhough not lit lIlItimes,
the Decedent wns sound nnd compctent, However, there were occasions when Dccedent did not
lIppenr to be mentally sound nnd competent,
to, Denied ns stated, Decedent's Will. dated Jnnuary ]4. 1986. a copy of which is
lIppended liS Exhibit A to the Complaint, did not dispose of the subject real estate, whleh had been
transferred prior to the time of her deall\,
] I. It is lIdmitted that the Will, Exhibit A to the Comploint. provided for the distribution
identified in paragraph II of the Complnint.
]2. Admitted,
]3. Admitted.
14. Denied ns stoted. It is admitted thotthe Power of Attorney wns executed by
Decedent on June II, 198], and that the Power of Attorney WlIS prepared in the law office of
Robert Moore, It lIlso is ndmitted that Robert Moore is the husband of Jonn Groner Moore,
IS. It is admitted thot appended ns Exhibit C to the Comploint is 0 Deed whieh was the
vehicle for n conveyance, doted July I, 1986, the substance nnd content of which is fully set forth
in the soid Deed,
16. It is lIdmitted thnt the Deed, nttnched ns Exhibit C to the Complaint, contained
various avennents, including the excerpt recited in parngraph 16 of the Comploint.
17. Denied as stoted. The vnlue of the premises in question. at the time of the transfer,
was in the rnnge of $20,000,
18. It is ndmitted that the Deed. 1I11nched ns Exhibit C to the Complaint, contnined
vlIrious overments. including the excerpt recited in pnragraph 18 of the Complaint.
- 2 .
19, Dcnicd us stutcd, The Powcr of Attorncy did contuin broud lunguuge uuthorizing
Joon G, Moorc und Sheldon Luw Groner to huvc thc filII powcr, right und lIuthority to do anything
in conncction with the propcrly and estote of Deccdcnt, cntrusting to their sole discretion and
uuthority to tuke action which they "dcem rCllsonublc, nccessllry lInd proper" ,,"
20, Denicd liS stilted. It is udmittcd thutthe Decd wus prepllrcd by thc luw office of
Robcrt Moore, It is furthcr udmitted tllUt Robcrt Moore is the husbund of JOlin G, Moore, It is
dcnied thutthe Dccd wus prcpurcd undcr thc dlrcction of Robcrt Moorc. On the contrary, it WIIS
prcpared utthe direction of Joun G, Moore und S. Luw Groncr us uttorncys-In-fact of Honnah Law
Groncr.
21. Admittcd,
22. Dcnicd lIS statcd, Thc expression of wish und dcsirc to kecp the troct "in the family"
is admittcd.
23. Dcnied lIS statcd, It is admittcd thutthe Willattachcd as Exhibit D to the Complaint
providcs for the distribution set forth in puragroph II und contuins un expression of desire thot the
subjcct property remoin in thc flll11i1y. It is dcnied thutthe Willattachcd as Exhibit D to the
Complaint can be the bllSis for any of the cloims assertcd In this matter.
24, Dcnicd os stotcd, Thc convcyoncc of thc property in qucstion was for the specific
purposc und rellSon of kccping the property "in the family." It is dcnied thatthc conveyance WIIS
"withoutthc knowledge, conscnt or authoriZlltion of the Deccdcnt,"
25, Denied, Thc gencral avcrmcntof purograph 25, conccrning the bclicf of Plaintiffs, Is
dcnicd, Aftcr the conveyuncc in July of 1986. Sheldon Luw Groncr und Joun G. Moore puid
cxpcnscs for insurancc, tuxcs and gcncrulmllintcnllncc of thc truct in qucstion,
- 3 -
26, Denied as stated. It is denied that any IIdministration of thc linllncilllllffairs of
Hannah Lllw Groner by JOlin G. Moorc IIml/or Shcldon Law Gruncr was impropcr or dcccptive in
any respcet. On the contrary, it is averred that thc trnnslcr of thc subjcct propcny was for thc
purpose of kecping thc suhJcct propcrty "in thc 1i1l11i1y," It is dcnicd that uny of thc usscls of
Hannoh Law Groncr werc "consumcd" for thc pcrsonul hcnclit of cithcr Joun G, Moorc or Shcldon
Law Groner.
27, Dcnied as stated. Plaintiffs werc cxplicitly informcd, following the death of Hannah
Law Groner, of the transfcr of thc property in qucstion in 1986, Plaintiffs wcrc also told that the
transfer was madc in order to kecp thc suhject propcrty "in thc lamily," It is bclicved, IInd
therefore overred, that PlaintilTs consultcd eounscl in the spring of 1994 for thc purposes of
investigating the mallcr further, olthough Plaintiffs chose to take no action in connection with their
inquiry for a period of approximately two ycars,
28, Denied as stoted. Defendants deny thotthcy "convcrtcd" thc subject property, IIny
other property or any monies. Defendants admit thcy have not convcycd the property to Decedent's
estote or to Plaintiffs.
29, It is admitted that the noticc appcnded as Exhibit E to the Complaint was sent to
Plointiffs, ohhough other informotion was providcd, including payment of a linol distributive shore
of the distributablc cstote of Ilannah Groner. Appended herclo and marked as Exhibit "A" are
copies of lellers scnt by certitied mllilto each of thc Plaintiffs. lilrwarding nn accounting of the
cstatc's assets, expcnditures and calclllotion of hulunccs rcmuining lilr distrihution.
- 4 -
COUNT I . CONVERSION
30. Denied. Defendants ineorporutc hy rcfcrcnec thcir unswers to paragraphs 1 through
29 ubove us though fully sct forth hcrein,
31. Dcnicd, Dcfendunts dcny tllllt thcy had knowlcdgc of und agrced to participate in u
scheme to defraud I'luintins of their right to inhcrit and posscss the shurc of Deecdcnt's rcolty
which she intendcd them to rcccive. Dcfcndunts dcny uny fraud or "sehcmc to defraud."
32. Denicd. Defendants dcny thut thcy had knowlcdgc of and agreed to partieipote in a
scheme to ubuse their confidential relationship with Dccedentto convey Decedent's reulty to
themselves, Defendants dcny that any confidential rclationship existed, However, to the extent any
confidential relationship did cxist, Defcndonts deny that therc was any abuse of that confidential
relationship, On the contrary. Dcfendonts aver that they acted in conformity with the wishes of
Decedent. Particularly, Defendants aetcd in conformity with Decedent's wish that the subject
property remain "in the fnmily."
33. Denied. Defendants deny that they had knowledge of and ogreed to partlcipote in a
scheme to abuse their confidential relationship with Decedent to fund the transfer of her reolty to
themselves, and to fund their maintenonce of the rcalty. Defendants incorporate by reference their
answer to paragraph 32 abovc as If fully set forth hercin,
34. Denied. Dcfcndants deny that thcy intcntionally or otherwise deceived Decedent.
Defendonts carricd out Dcccdent's wishes and acted in her bcst interests, Defendants admit that
they hod a family relationship to Dcccdent and that at ccrtain times. although not at all times,
Dccedent relied on and placcd trust in Dcfcndants,
.5.
(b) Dcnicd. Dcfcndnnts dcny wosting any of thc asscts of Dcccdcnt.
(c) Dcnicd, Dcfcndants dcny undcrmining and thwarting Dcccdcnt's dccisions as to thc
disposition of hcr rcalty and asscts,
(d) Dcnicd, Dcfcndnnts dcny dclibcratcly divcrting Plnintiffs' right to inhcrit and posscss
thcir sharc of Dcccdcnt's rcalty. Dcfcndants dcny that Plaintiffs hllvc lIny right to inhcrit or posscss
thc rcalty,
41. Dcnicd, Dcfcndants dcny any brcach of Iiduclary duty, Dcfcndants dcny any
"schcmc to harm" Plaintiffs' intcrcsts as bcncliciarics, Dcfcndants dcny ossisting or porticipllting In
any brcach of Iiduciory duty. Dcfcndants deny any knowledgc of any brcach of Iiduciary duty.
Defendonts deny that they had any "purposc and Intcnt of fncllitlltlng thc commission" of a "scheme
to hnnn" Plaintiffs' Interests as beneliclarics,
WHEREFORE, Defendants rcspcctfully requcst the Court to dismiss this action ond to deny
the relief requestcd by Plaintiffs,
NEW MAllER, AFFII{MATIVE DEFENSES AND COUNTERCLAIMS
42, Plaintiffs have known of thc transfcr of thc subject propcrty for more thon two years
preceding the commenccmcnt of this procecding. Appended hereto and marked os Exhibit "B" to
this pleading is a copy of a letter dated April II, 1994, from Plaintiff. Mclisso Cline. to Robert
Moore, Esquirc, cvidcncing hcr knowledgc of thc subjcct transfcr and hcr qucstions concerning its
regulllrity,
43, Clcllrly, PllIintin's hllvc known lIbout thc cvents which give rlsc to this claim for a
period in cxccss of two ycars, Ilaving fuilcd to proSCClItC any c1l1il11 liJr relicI' within a pcriod of
- 7 -
morc than two ycars. PlaintilTs' cloim should be borred either by thc opplicable statutc of limitations
or thc doctrine of laches,
44, Hoving failed to raise their claims within any reasonable period of timc following the
discovcry of the evcnts in question. PlaintilTs should be barred from sceking equitable rclicf. for
having failed to pursue their claims in a reasonable or timely fashion, On the contrary, Plointiffs
havc deloycd taking any steps whatsocvcr In connection with thc cloims now assertcd. to thc
dctrlmcnt and prcjudicc of Dcfcndants,
45, Plaintiffs hove tokcn full advantage of the odministrotion of the estate by Defendants
and havc rcceivcd thc proferred linol distribution of thcir share of thc cstatc in Dccembcr, 1994.
Having dcclincd and foilcd to prosccute any claims arising out of or related to that distribution or
the notice of thc final steps in odministrotion of thc estate. Plaintiffs should be barred from any
claim for relief in these proceedings,
46. Defendants have paid the expenses of insurance, tnxes and maintenance on the
subject property since 1986, not Hannah Law Groner, the Estate of Honnah Law Groner nor
PlaintilTs.
47, PlaintilTs received the benelit, use and enjoyment of the subject property, over the
years since 1986. Following the death of Hannah Luw Groner, Plaintiffs were offercd fwnily usage
of the propcrty, without expense. but declined to pursue thut oflcr,
48, PlaintifTs' c1uims ure burred by luehes, Huving known of the underlying facts related
to this molter for more than two yeurs und huving Iililed to uet in the interim on that knowledge,
PlointifTs should not be permilted to pursue c1uims now, uner Delcndunts. und purtieularly
- K -
Defendants Joan G, Moore and Robert Moore, have made substantinl improvements to the property
in question,
49, Plaintiffs should repny to the estnte of Hannah Law Groner sums which were poid as
advance distributions, in the amount of $2,200 each, Said sums will be required in order to meet
the expense of the estate in protecting its interests in this Iitigntion proceeding,
50, Had the subject property remained an asset under the ownership and control of
Hannah Law Groner during her lifetime, that asset would have been subject to Iiquidntion and its
proceeds expended for her care and maintenonee during the last eight years of her life.
51. The tronsfer in question of the subject propeny did not deprive the probate estate of
Hannah Law Groner of any asset which otherwise would have been distributable at the time of her
deoth.
52. Should it be determined, notwithstanding the foregoing averments. thot Plaintiffs are
entitled to some monetary share interest in the asset represented by the subject property, Plaintiffs
should be charged with a proportionate sharc of rcsponsibility for taxcs, operoting cxpenses and
upkeep that have been incurred by Defendants,
53. Should it be determined. notwithstanding the foregoing averments, thot Plaintiffs are
entitled to some monetary share interest in the nsset represented by thc subject property, Plaintiffs
should be required to reimburse Defendants for improvements made by Defendants to the subject
propeny,
54, PlaintilTs are not entilled to a jury trial.
55, There is no bnsis fiJr the imposition of n constrnctive trust.
56, PlaintilTs have fililed to state a cnuse of uction upon which relief muy be granted,
.1) .
57, Plaintiffs have suffered no recoverable damages,
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Court dismiss the Comploinl, deny
all relief requested by Plointiffs, grunt all relief requested by Defendants and impose costs of this
proceeding on Plointiffs, including an award of counsel fces incurred by Defendants in their defense
of this matter.
Respectfully submitted.
By / I
Davl E, Lehman
I.D. No, 1 5243
100 Pine Street
1'.0, Box 1166
Harrisburg. I' A 17108-1166
A"ACE liCK
Attorneys for Defendonts Joon G. Moore
and Sheldon Law Groner
Dated: June 7, 1996
- 10-
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EXlIllH'!' "n"
,
13106 Larkhall Circle
Fort Washington, MD 20744
December 19, 1994
Stephen L. Gaustad
2405 East Cochise Street
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Dear Steve:
Enclosed is a check in the amount of $2,200.04 in final
payment of your distributive share of Mother's estate. You
receive a $200 specific bequest as did the other
grandchildren. After payment of these bequests your share of
the residue of the estate is $2,000.04. The bequest of $200
and your share of the residue has been combined in the enclosed
check.
So that you know how the calculations were made there are
also enclosed copies of the pertinent portions of the
Inheritance Tax Return and a sheet showing the calculations
whereby we arrived at the distributable shares. Item 14 on the
first page of the tax return is the taxable balance after
expenses. From this balance we deducted the inheritance tax
which gives the distributable balance.
You should be aware that in calculating your distributable
share we used the date of death values for the stock versus
today's actual values which are considerably lower. This
results in your share being higher than a distribution based on
today's values.
Enclosures
Love,
! (.'^ d..J ~w~
VIA CERTIFIF~ HAIL
COMMONWEAL TH 0' f1ENN!Y\.VANIA
OEPARTM(NT OF R[V(NU[
D(I"1'.2IoI01
HARRISBURG, PA "'21.0101
Fan DATES OF DEAlll AFTER 12/31/11
CHECK HERE IF A SPOUSAl
POVERTY CREDIT IS CLAIMED
FILE NUMBER
21 94
COUNTY CODE VEAR
OECEOEIITS COMPLETE ADDRESS
414 Carol street
New Clrabcrland, PA 17070
".
.
'UV..UOO li.."-"I
DECEDENT
CHECK
APPRO-
PRIATE
BLOCKS
COR RES-
PONDEIlT
RECAPIT .
UUTION
TAX
COMPUTA-
TION
PAl5001 ..n: 120'
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
(TO BE FILED IN DUPLICATE
WITH REGISTER OF WILLS)
DECEDEIITS NAME (UST, FIRST, AND MIDDLE INITIAL)
GOONER IWlN1IH L.
SOCIAL SECURrTY NUMBER
179-30-5519
" Originll RolUrn
CounlV 0lInb>.r land
3, Romalndo, ROWin
00296
NUMBER
1101 .alu 01 ...,,, pilar '0 12-1:1-121
o 5. Folletll ESlIIO Till
Roturn Roquired
_ 8, TOIII Number 01 SII. Dopolil eo...
o .1. Futuro Intoros1 CofTll,omso
(10' dllos 01 OOllh Inor 12-12-82)
!H 8, Docod.nl Dl8d Tostllo 0 7, Docooonl Mlml&lnod. Wng TlU5I
(An.ch copy 01 Will) (Anoch copy 01 T1U5I)
Al.LCORRESPONDENCE ANO COI/FlDEKTlAL,TAlC INFORMATION SIlOUlll BE DIREC'l'al TO:
NAME .~ COMPLETE MAIUNG ADDRESS
Joan G. Mocre 414 Carol street
TELEPHONE NUMBER New Olmberlarxl, PA
717-774-6499
1, Rill EsIII. (5chodul8 A) ( 1)
2, Stocks Ind Bonds (Schodul8 B) ( 2)
~, Closoiy Hold S1oCk/Pl11no..hlp In101851 (Schooul8 C) ( ~I
o~, Umtod Estill
17070
19. II Une 1S15 reale' than hne 17 .nler the arn..rc.e on _nt1 "
A. Chlok hi" " on __ I ........ ..
20, It Iln8 17 la grelle' lhan line '8 em., lno O'n.en::.a on _nt1 ;"'C
A, Ente, the Inlereat on lno bMance due c" ,,... ;'OA
B. Enfer the talal or line i."O .~ :'OA on _,...:-OS Thr5 IS Ine aALAHCE DUE.
Makl Chick PIVlbl8 10' R"9'"'' of ...... "'9W"
...... aE SURE TO ANSWER AU. ~OOCI ON PAGE 2 AN) TO RECHECK MAlll ...." .':I",.:".'~"ti!liP..~l
Ulllltr 111114111111 DI D"lljf"."'Ca.atl'ft'11 IIhl .........'.1",. ..1..... '''C''_~ ........._,.. ........ '"0 1l~1t"'."U, ,net 10 tI'l oln 01 my '"0.'10,. '''11 ....1.1111 "".. ",",et....
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15,628.00
<, Mong.gos and Nol.. R8C8lYlblo (Schooul8 D)
5. Cash, Blnk Deposita & MI5COUanoous Porsonal
Property (Schooulo E)
6, JOlnUy Ownod Prop...,., (Scnooul8 F)
7, Trlnslo.. (Schodulo G) (Sctl80ulO L)
( <)
( ~I
2,148.33
( 6)
( 71
I, TollI Gro.. AssuIS (:01111100' 1-7)
9, Funs,lI Exp.n..., Aomn..ul...,. Costs. ( 91
Mlscolllnooul Exp.n... (Scnooul8 HI
10. OoblS, Mong.g. USbd""'s, I.Jens (SchoOUIO II (101
11, TOIII D.ductlons (10111 bnos 9 & '0)
12, Nel Vllu. 01 Esllle (lino 8 mnus I",. ")
,~. Chontlblo Ind Go.....rnmentll BuQUOS1J IScM'M8 J)
( 8)
2,544.28
763.87
(II)
(12)
(1~)
11~)
14,468.18. .06 .
0.00. ,IS .
(17)
Oacoun, Inlorest
U, Nil Vaiue Sub'eet to TI.I lime 12 mnus line 1:J1
15. Amount 01lln8 1"tD.~e al 6'"... 'lie
(InClu~e values trom ScneaulB K or Scneau" u ,
16. Amount of line '''IDlble II "... rllo
{lncludD values Itom ScnoauMt K at Scneau. ... I
17. PnnclpaJ tax due (Add III from line 1!J Ina hom _ne 16)
1e, CredItS SIIOIIUIPont1"C"o., Pnor PI~
(1~1
"61
0.00.
(II)
(19)
T.... os 1M OVERPAYMEIlT,
on!.
'.... '" In. TAX DUE.
(20)
(2OA)
(20S)
.&ce., \',
DAT(
fj/, /r,l/
OAT(
See Scnedu1e llt;-'..ached
ACOIIIB
:;0""'1'11 '11101' ~oll..u. elll" ,..J ""1:0, tOt ""_All'l'
17,776.33
3,308.15
14,468.18
14 468.18
868.09
0.00
868.09
0.00
868.09
0.00
868.09
, Alv.t'nu..l....'
SCHEDULE B
STOCKS AND BONDS
'I,
, CO",UOJiWI...LTH 0' r(NNanV...NI...
INHIRITANCI TAX AUU"N
"UICINT DICE DINT
ESTATE OF
FILE NUMBER
H1INNAH L. GroNER
(All properly 10lnUy-owned wtth RighI olSurvlvonhlp mus' be dlscloHd on Schedull F,)
ITEM
NO,
21-94-00296
VALUE AT DATE
OF DEATH
DESCRIPTION
1 10 shares 4. 6 PF&L preferred
2 134 shares PF&L CCIl1lDn
3 164 Rockwell Int. ........"'LJlI
4 1 Bloansb.Jrg Fair Assoc.
5 10 PA Gas & Water 4.10 CUm. Pfd.
465.00
3,517.50
6,170.50
5,000.00
475.00
TOTAl 'Also ttnler on line:. RecOlDrfUllbOnl
III molO SCleo IS neeoeo, Insert 100ltlonaJ Sf\eQt:I Dllamo 5I%D,)
s
15,628.00
PA15031 "-In uu
CUrrlllll'll'o,,,,. SOli.". O"'Y, 'n1 ~'ICO, ,lOt __tlll'111'
~,
.RIV- !IOI EX. <<2-")
(
SCHEDULE E
CASH, BANK DEPOSITS AND
MISCELLANEOUS
PERSONAL PROPERTY
(
. .
COMMONWEAlTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
ESTATE OF
HANNAH L. ~
All -owned wl1h tho RI hI at Survlvonthlp must be disclosed on ~hedulo F)
ITEM
NO.
Pln.so Pnnt or T 0
FILE NUMBER
21-94-00296
DESCRIPTION
VALUE AT
DATE OF DEI. T1i
1 PNC Bank Olecking Ac:a:m1t
2,148.33
PAISO.'
NTF 1211
TDTAlIA!$O enler on IIno~. RocaDltUlltlon) S
(Anlcn adclIuonal a 11:- . 1'" ''''''''l5 11 rTl:)fe IDICO " needed. I
2 148.33
COO'"lI''' F'''III, 50ft.." 0".,. ,,,] ~'ICll, ,"( "'J..e.,
fUV-ulJ u. .luUI
( .
CDUMONW[AL TH OF PENHSVL\iANIA
IIiH[AllANC[ TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
SCHEDULE I
DEBTS OF DECEDENT.
MORTGAGE LIABILITIES AND LIENS PI.....PrlntorT
!FlLE NUMBER
21-94-00296
ESTATE OF
HANN1Ili L. GOCiNER
ITEM
NO.
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
1
Bell of Pennsylvania
Leader Nursin;J Haoo Final Bill
Camonwealth of Pennsylvania 1993 incam tax
143.00
17.35
2
603.52
3
PA'S'2'
TOTAL lAlso 8nlor on hne 10. Reca.ortUlloonl
IlllT'WJre spaco IS noo~ed, I"se" IdCJltlOnaj snoelS ot sarno 5lZ0.)
763.87
s
NTF 2110
:U""Oll' F~,,,,. Salt"'." ell',., "n ~"CO, IIlC. '4UP"'l'
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", RBcelpt for .,. .,...; ,..,..,- ... .\.;........~-..."O"'..t.
~ .....
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No Inlurance Coyorogo ProvIded
- 00 nOI use for Inlomollon31 Mail ......_.-o---r""_'f'C:_~l
~:::,\':::.\ ......
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5'"11
Ie
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13106 Larkhall Circle
Fort Washington, MD 20744
December 19, 1994
Melissa G. Cline
723 N. River Street, Apt. 1
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Dear Melissa:
Enclosed is a check in the amount of $2,200.05 in final
payment of your distributive share of Mother's estate. You
receive a $200 specific bequest as did the other
grandchildren. After payment of these bequests your share of
the residue of the estate is $2,000.05. The bequest of $200
and your share of the residue has been combined in the enclosed
check.
So that you know how the calculations were made there are
also enclosed copies of the pertinent portions of the
Inheritance Tax Return and a sheet showing the calculations
whereby we arrived at the distributable shares. Item 14 on the
first page of the tax return is the taxable balance after
expenses. From this balance we deducted the inheritance tax
which gives the distributable balance.
You should be aware that in calculating your distributable
share we used the date of death values for the stock versus
today's actual values which are considerably lower. This
results in your share being higher than a distribution based on
today's values.
Enclosures
Love.
[C~t!) ~w-
VIA CERTIFIED HAIL
..... ,
.
,
(
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECECENT
(TO BE FILED IN DUPLICATE
WITH REGISTER OF WILLS)
Fan DATES OF DEATH AFTER 'W,It,
CHECK HERE IF A SPOUSAL
POVERTY CREDIT IS CLAIMEO
FILE NUMBER
21 94
COU/lTY CODE YEAR
DECEDENT'S COMPLETE ADDRESS
414 Carol street
New Olmberlan:l, PA 17070
00296
NUMBER
,
,'.
"IY...1I00 ';.'111"111
COMMONWEAL TH 0' PENNSY\.VANIA
CEPAATMINT OF REVENU[
CEPT.21010'
H..RfUSBUAO..... "121"010,
DECEDenrs NAME (LAST, FIRST. AND MID[,LE INITIAL)
DECEDENT
GroNER HANNAH L.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
179-30-5519
1. Onglnal Roblrn
3, ROmAlndor Roturn
CHECK
APPRO-
PRIATE
BLOCKS
o 4. U"'led ESISIO
1I0f 11&1.. of dill II pIlO"O 11..1)...U)
o 5, Fedoral Esta10 Tax
Return Roqulred
_ 8. TOlal Number 01 Solo Deposit Bo.os
CORRES-
PONDENT
o ... Futuro Inlormt Coflllromse
(lor dsl.. 01 doslh shor 12-12-B:!)
lB 6. Docodont Dkld TOS10IO 0 7. Docodont MOlnllJnod sLMng Trusl
(Ahach copy 01 Will) (Mach copy 01 Trull)
ALl; CORRESPONDENCE AND COHADENTlAL TAX INFORMATION SHOUlD BE DIRECTED TO:
NAME COMPLETE MAIUNG ADDRESS
Joan G. Moore 414 Carol street
TELEPHONE NUMBER New Olmberland, PA
717-774-6499
1. Real ElIlsle (~hedule A) ( 1)
2. Slocks snd Bonds (~hedule B) ( 2)
3. CloselV Hold Slock/Pan""",hJp Inler..., (Schodukl C) ( 3)
17070
15,628.00
RECAPIT-
ULATION
4. Mongagos and NOI.. Roca,vsble (~hedulo D)
5. Cash. Bank DepoSItS & MIscell.noous Personal
Propeny (SChedule E)
6. Jointly Owned Propeny (SChedule F)
7. Trsn.I.", (SChedule G) (SChedule LI
( 4)
( ~)
2,148.33
( 6)
( 7)
B. TOlal Gro.. Asaots (Iolalllnos 1-7)
9. Fun.ral Exp.n.... Ad",n"l1snv. Costs. ( 9)
Miscellaneous Expenses (Schedule H)
10. D.bts, Mongog. UObili1les, LJons (SChedulo I) (10)
11. Total D.dUCllons (Iolal Unes 9 & 10)
12. N.I Valu. of Eatsl. (II"" 8 "'nus line 11)
13. Chlll1tsblo ond Governmenlal BoQuostllSCl1oaulO J)
OISCQunl
( 6)
2,544.28
763.87
('1)
(12)
(13)
(14)
14 , 468 .18 . .06 .
0.00. .1~ .
(17)
Inlorost
17,776.33
3,308.15
14,468.18
14. Net Value SubjeCi to Tax (line 12 rnnus hno 13)
1!!l. Am::Iunl at line,.. tlluble a'~. rale "51
(Inelude values tram SchedUle K or ScnecukJ M I
14 468.18
868.09
TAX
COMPUTA-
TION
16. Amount alllne 1~ taxable aI15~. rala
(InclUde values tram SChedule K or SCnedule M I
17. PnnCtpaf to dUQ (Add lax tram hne 1SInd trom ItroO 16)
18. Credits 500u..' Ph.n., C'.!l,t Prior Payrnqnu
(161
0.00
868.09
0.00.
(18)
(19)
0.00
19. II Ime 10 is realer than line 17 enler 1M drNltf8nce an line ,g ThtS 15 Inn OVERPAYMENT.
A. Chock ho.. H ... _ . _ of ur _"",ymont.
20. II hne 17 is grellor than hno 18. enlor 1M Clf'l8fenc.e an 1Ir'M] ~ Ttus IS the TAX DUE.
A. Enler the inl8fBst on the DaJlnco due on line 20A
B. Enler 1ho 10111 01 line 20 Ino 20A an llne:.'08 ThiS r.1lhO BALANCE DUE.
Mike Check Payable 10: Register of WUls. Aqenl
....BESURE TO ANSWER ALl. aue5110Hs ON PAGE 2 AND TO RECHEO< MATH ..... . ,.. . ,. ,... .'",,!~.:J.'II'l<!:'1.t'\'~
UnOI' 1t".IIIII.' 11.'111''', I O'Cl&f.III.11 "IW. UAII'l"'IO III.. "'100'" '~t''"'''',~uu'''''''''''''''IC'''.a...tl '''d '~III11,,,u. A"1I10 ,". Ollt 01 "',."Owl.d...."1I '011",11.. ""..CORm.,.'
~:~:~~I:~~~I::~~.'"11IU '".Ut.ll. III' On" "Dan to 1111." .......1 W...... ...U"'II'o" 01 ".IU'" 01 "If """ tll. 11."0"11 'UI".."tAlln '1 ~"CI on ,'1 ''''.''''1110'' Or ""le" p",.,...
(20)
(20A)
(20B)
868.09
0.00
868.09
.COA($~
See Sch!rlu1e a t+"ulc.'led
CAn:
r;/, /r;l/
OATI
ACDRUS
PAl5001 NT' 1201
e~o"f'I'''t J"",. ~ot'''''.1t /Jill" 'Ill ~t'u. rot. '1']PAO!)'
.
fUV"UO.lh 12~")
SCHEDULE E
CASH, BANK DEPOSITS AND
MISCELLANEOUS
PERSONAL PROPERTY
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
ESTATE OF
HANlWl L. ~
All rope oln -owned with tho RI hi 01 Survlvorahl
ITEM
NO.
21-94-00296
must be disclosed on ~hedulo F)
VAlUE AT
DA TC OF DEA T1i
DESCRIPTION
1 PNC Bank Ol~ 1Io::cunt
2,148.33
PAI&OB\
TOTAL IAlso .n,., on line a. ROC41111UlaUonl Is
(Anacn 4ddloonaJ 8 1rr . t,.. '"eet~ It moro SQICQ 18 neeoed.l
2,148.33
~Tr:UU
COD"";""O''''I !oft...,. 0'11'0., l"~ ""IUl, :"t_ ~n""04l
~ly..tllI ["P-II'
SCHEDULE H
FUNERAL EXPENSES,
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
PI..s. Print 0' Typo
COMIr.lONW[AL rH OF PENNSYLVANIA
INttlRIUHCE TA.I RETURN
RUIDINT DECEOENT
ESTATE OF
lWlN1IH L. GOONm
ITEM
NO.
A. Funoral EJponsoa:
FILE HUMBER
21-94-00296
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
1 Parthem:lre FUneral Hate
2 Magee Hotel - post funeral refreshments
3 Ralph Dillon - flowers
4 Hayhurst Mem:lrials - stone installation
185.00
73.14
291.50
64.00
e, AdmlnlstraUyo Costa:
I.
Persona! Reprosontauve ConvnSSlOns
Social Socumy Numbo, 01 P8f1Onal Roprosonl.evo:
Yo.. Conmll..ns paid
875.00
2. Anornoy F....
875.00
~. Famiy EllOmpeon
Claimanl
0.00
RolaDomhlp
Add,OII 01 Clalmanl Sl llOCGdonra dlllh
SUOOI Add"..
Clly
5,a'0
Zlp Cod.
4, P,obSI. Foes
72.00
C. Mlscollsnoous EJpensoa:
1 CUmberland Law Journal - advertisenent
40.00
2 Carlisle Sentinel - advertiserrent
68.64
PAU'l1
TOTAL rAlso enter on Iino 9, ROCllllltUISeonl S
(If mar. ap.ICI II "HOed. Inun ,addtUarullhMls 01 ume 111..)
2 544.28
"'1'1711
:~'''I'"1 '1''''' ~1l11..1t C'lI,. 't" "l1'CO lie ..UP"...
"
.
"IV.IIUU.ttlUl
.
.'.
CO...MOHW(ALTH OF P(NNS'YLVA~IA
INHlfUTANC[ lAX nOUAN
"[JIDINT DECIDENT
SCHEDULE I
DEBTS OF DECEDENT.
MORTGAGE LIABILITIES AND LIENS PI.....PrlntorT
IFILE NUMBER
21-94-00296
ESTATE OF
HANN1Ili L. GRClNER
ITEM
NO.
OESCRIPTlON
AMOUNT
1 Bell of Pennsylvania
17.35
2 T 1>;0-1,,1:' Nursin;J Haoo Final Bill
3 Camonwealth of Pennsylvania 1993 inc:aro tax
603.52
143.00
PAIS'21
NT' 2110
TOTAl. ,..,., etl1er on 1'"810. ReclDlUJllbonJ
(II ""'II selce IS '*tOed I~ ~naJ SheelS 01 same sue.)
s
763.87
ClI."","'IlO''''' SOII..,eO"I\I, .t" N,IClI, lOt ~'I..II'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on this date, a true and correct copy of foregoing
Answer was served via first-class mail upon the following:
John D. Killian, Esq.
Killian & Gephart
218 Pine Street
P.O. Box 886
Harrisburg, I' A 17108
Michael D. Reed, Esq.
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg PA 17110.0950
James R. Clippinger, Esq.
Caldwell & Kearns
3631 North Front Street
Harrisburg.PA 17110
(;);r401t~
David E. Lehman
Dale: June 7. 1996
,---"
, ~
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lr c
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9. The averment contained in this paragraph contains a
conclusion of law to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully request that the
Preliminary Objections be dismissed.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE FORM OF THE
CLAIMANTS' INSUFFICIENT SPECIFICITY IN THE PLEADING
10.
Denied as stated.
By way of further answer, the
Complaint filed by the Plaintiffs states that Defendant, Robert
Moore, was a party to the scheme perpetrated by the Defendants to
abuse their confidential relationship with Decedent and to
unlawfully convey Decedent's realty to themselves. Further, the
Complaint alleges that Defendant, Robert Moore, was an active
participant and had full knowledge of the actions and intents of
the Co-Defendants to this action.
11 . Admi tted.
12. Admitted. By way of further answer, while the Complaint
does not allege that Robert Moore is a title owner or a trustee of
the said realty, the Complaint does allege that he was an active
participant in the scheme to defraud the Plaintiffs.
13. Denied. It is specifically denied that Count II of the
Complaint, titled "Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Waste of Estate
Assets," fails to set forth any facts whatsoever to support
paragraphs 39 and 40 regarding alleged reduction of value and waste
of Defendant's estate with regard to Defendant Robert Moore.
By way of further answer, the Count incorporates all of the
preceding paragraphs under Count I I. Further, paragraph 40 of the
2
. .
subject Complaint recites a number of accusations made by
Plaintiffs against Defendants any of which would allow Plaintiffs
to recover against Defendant, Robert Moore.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully request that the
Preliminary Objections be dismissed.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE FORM OF
PENDENCY OF A PRIOR ACTION
14. Admitted. By way of further answer, while the prior
pleading does contain similar factual averments, the causes and
forms of actions are distinguishable.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully request that the
Preliminary Objections be dismissed.
Respectfully submitted,
KILLIAN & GEPHART
.~---
Join D. K Esqu re
10 1107080
218 Pine Street
P. O. Box 886
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 232-1851
Dated: June~, 1996
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
P,\home\cllne\rcply.cq
3
VERIFICATION
I, MELISSA SHOj:'>E, hereby verify that the facts stated in the
attached document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
I understand that any false statements
made subject me to the penalties contained in 18 Pa. C.S. ~ 4904,
Unsworn Falsification to Authorities.
-\"----~~~~-_S\- .::. ~ ~
MELISSA SHOPE
Date: June 27, 1996
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document has been forwarded by first class mail, postage prepaid,
this 27th day of June, 1996, to the following:
Michael D. Reed, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
James R. Clippinger, Esquire
CALDWELL & KEARNS
3631 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
David E. Lehman, Esq.
McNEES, WALLACE & NURICK
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
'.,
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By way of further answer, it is only reasonable that given the
nature of the underlying factual scenario involving fraud and self-
dealing that a significant amount of time would be necessary in
order to fully develop the factual background essential to the
proper prosecution of this matter. It was only upon the passing of
the Decedent, Hannah Law Groner, and subsequent investigation that
the Plaintiffs in this action became fully aware of the extent of
the Defendants' misdeeds.
45. Denied as stated. By way of further answer, the
Defendants actions removed the subject property from the estate.
Therefore, the Plaintiffs were denied the full benefit of their
intended share of the estate. The remaining averments constitute
a conclusion of law for which no reBponse is required.
46. Neither admitted nor denied. Plaintiffs are without
sufficient knowledge upon which to base an answer to the averment
contained in this paragraph and, therefore, strict proof of said
averment is demanded at trial.
47. Admitted. By way of further answer, while the Plaintiffs
may have been offered usage of the property, said offer is an
insufficient remedy to the misdeeds perpetrated by the Defendants
in this matter. Further, the use of this property, even without
charge, does not compensate the Plaintiffs for the loss of their
rightful ownership of the subject property nor does it meet the
wishes of the Decedent, Hannah Law Groner, as expressed in her Last
Will and Testament.
2
48. The averments contained in this paragraph constitute a
conclusion of law for which no response is required
By way of further answer, the Defendants' expenditures in
improving this property are irrelevant to this claim. The
underlying factual scenario points to the fraudulent conveyance of
this property and the self-dealing of an attorney-in-fact. Such
behavior cannot be excused due to a Defendant's subsequent
improvement of the property and potential prejudice arising from
these improvements.
49. Denied. It is specifically denied that Plaintiffs should
repay to the estate sums which were paid as advance distributions,
in the amount of Twenty-two Hundred ($2,200.00) Dollars each.
By way of further answer, the Plaintiffs are without
sufficient knowledge upon which to determine whether the Twenty-two
Hundred ($2,200.00) Dollars would cover the expenses of the estate
in protecting its interest in this litigation. Further, the
averment contained in this paragraph is simply a request for
attorneys' fees and said request is not supported by the underlying
factual scenario.
50. Neither admitted nor denied. Plaintiffs are without
sufficient knowledge upon which to base an answer to the averment
contained in this paragraph and, therefore, strict proof of said
averment is demanded at trial.
51. Neither admitted nor denied. Plaintiffs are without
sufficient knowledge upon which to base an answer to the averment
3
contained in this paragraph and, therefore, strict proof of said
averment is demanded at trial.
52. Denied. It is specifically denied that should it be
determined, notwithstanding the foregoing averments, that
Plaintiffs are entitled to some monetary share interest in the
asset represented by the subject property, Plaintiffs should be
charged with a proportional share of the responsibility for taxes,
operating expenses, improvements and upkeep that have been incurred
by Defendants.
By way of further answer, Defendants are charged with a breach
of a fiduciary duty, fraud, and self-dealing. Such actions, if
proven, show a reckless disregard for ethical duties placed on the
attorney-in-fact. In which case, the court should not reward the
Defendants for their actions by reimbursing said Defendants for the
costs of maintaining a property obtained by unlawful and unethical
means.
53. Denied. It is specifically denied that should it be
determined, notwi thstanding the foregoing averments, that
Plaintiffs are entitled to some monetary share interest in the
asset represented by the subject property, Plaintiffs should be
required to reimburse Defendants for improvements made by Defendant
to the subject property.
54. The averments contained in this paragraph constitute a
conclusion of law for which no response is required.
55. The averments contained in this paragraph constitute a
conclusion of law for which no response is required.
4
VERIFICATION
I, MELISSA SHOPE, hereby verify that the facts stated in the
attached document are truf.! and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
I understand that any false statements
made subject me to the penalties contained in 18 Pa. C.S. ~ 4904,
Unsworn Falsification to AuthoritieD.
~,_____~_ '-'>_ ,') \ c Q "
MELISSA SHOPE \
Date: June 27, 1996
#
....
\.
MELISSA G. CLINE AND
STEPHEN S. GAUSTAD,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 96-2649
EQUITY
JOAN G. MOORE AND S. LAW
GRONER, ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT
POR HANNAH LAW GRONER, AND
EXECUTORS OF THE ESTATE OF
HANNAH LAW GRONER I and
ROBERT MOORE,
Defendants
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY,
Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No 229, please discontinue the above
captioned action.
Respectfully submitted,
KILLIAN & GEPHART
Datedl December 24, 1996
kJ&~ ~/-
Siii~' Gepna~ Esquire
ID #06864
218 Pine Street
P.O. Box 886
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0886
(717) 232-1851
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
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