HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-0301IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
vs. NO. 04 -?ol CIVIL
JAMES BAIRD, JR.
Defendant
COMPLAINT
NOW COMES THE PLAINTIFF, David P. Perkins, and in support of his claim
states the following:
o
Plaintiff is David P. Perkins, an adult individual residing at 4 James Cimle,
Borough of Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17257-2165.
Defendant is James Baird Jr., an adult individual residing at Lot # 21,
Shippensburg Mobile Estates, Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania 17257.
Plaintiff is an attorney duly qualified and licensed to practice law in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Plaintiff's principal place of business is located at 4 James Circle, Borough of
Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17257-2165.
Plaintiff and Defendant have had a continuing attorney/client relationship since
approximately 1996.
On or about September 26, 2003 Defendant contacted Plaintiff and told
Plaintiff that Defendant was in need of legal services and requested a
consultation with Plaintiff.
At Defendant's request Plaintiff scheduled an appointment with Defendant for
October 1, 2003 at Plaintiff's principal place of business.
At the time of the consultation on October 1, 2003 Defendant informed the
Plaintiff that Defendant desired to terminate the authority of his then-current
power of attorney Kathryn J. Hershey.
]0.
12.
]5.
]6.
]8.
Plaintiff and Defendant discussed the ramifications of termination of the existing
power of attorney relationship with Kathryn J. Hershey and Defendant informed
Plaintiff that he was adamant that he wanted to immediately revoke the power
of attorney granted to Kathryn J. Hershey.
At Defendant's request Plaintiff prepared a revocation of power of attorney
document.
Defendant was billed and paid for the office consultation and revocation of
power of attorney document on October 1, 2003.
At the time of the office consultation regarding revocation of power of attorney
on October 1, 2003, Defendant agreed to Plaintiff's recommendation of the
need for preparation of new power of attorney documents.
Other than a neighbor acquaintance named Frank Southerly, Defendant could
not think of anyone to appoint as his power of attorney at that time. Plaintiff and
defendant discussed past problems defendant had had with appointments of
neighbors and acquaintances to act as his power of attorney, including
allegations of fraud, theft, and wrong doing
Plaintiff advised Defendant that perhaps the choice of Mr. Southerly as power of
attorney was unwise due to the short period of time which Defendant had known
Mr. Southerly, the lack of Mr. Southerly's knowledge of Defendant's business
affairs, and the lack of any particular qualifications on the part of Mr. Southerly to
act as Defendant's power of attorney.
Defendant then requested that Plaintiff serve as power of attorney due to the lack
of any other qualified and trusted individuals available to him at the time.
Plaintiff agreed to serve as Defendant's power of attorney under a number of
conditions including continuing involvement of bank personnel in the balancing of
Defendant's checkbook as well as permitting Plaintiff to establish automatic debit
payment arrangements for all of Defendant's recurring bills such as utilities.
Defendant also requested that Plaintiff prepare a new Last Will and Testament
for the Defendant which the Plaintiff agreed to do.
Plaintiff prepared the power of attorney as requested by Defendant and
scheduled an appointment for the week of October 6. 2003 for the Defendant to
sign and notarize the documents. The appointment was then rescheduled to later
during the week of October 6, 2003 due to scheduling conflict.
Plaintiff contacted Defendant to reschedule the appointment and Plaintiff
informed Defendant that he had made arrangements to have witnesses and
notary available to go to defendant's residence to execute the documents.
20.
Plaintiff was told by Defendant that Defendant was not able to reschedule at
that time indicating that he had a doctor's appointment. Plaintiff assured the
Defendant at that time that both the will and power of attorney would be
ready for Defendant's signature at their next meeting.
Plaintiff again attempted to contact the Defendant on a number of occasions
in order to reschedule the appointment, but without success.
22.
Plaintiff contacted the Defendant in writing on October 13, 2003 to inform him
that the documents were still awaiting his signature. (See exhibit "A"
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference)
23.
Plaintiff has made repeated demands for payment since October 20, 2003
and Defendant has refused and continues to refuse to pay the same. (See
exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference)
The services for which Plaintiff seeks payment were performed at the specific
request of the Defendant and the charges therefore are customary and
reasonable.
Wherefore, Plaintiff requests that this Court find judgment in favor of Plaintiff
and against Defendant in the amount of three hundred eighty-five dollars ($ 385~00)
together with interest thereon at the legal rate from October 20, 2003, costs, and
such other and further relief as this Court shall deem proper.
Dated: January 23, 2004
DAVID P. PERKINS, ESQUIRE
Attorney ID #34342
David P. Perkins, Esquire
Attorney at Law
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 658-6531
DAVID P. PERKINS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 532-6629
E mail: davidperkins ~ comcast, net
October 13, 2003
Mr. James Baird, Jr.
Lot #21
Shipponsburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
Dear James,
Your revised Will and Power of Attorney are ready and waiting for your
signature.
I have been telephoning your home at 532-7070 on a daily basis ever since
you canceled the appointment which was scheduled for last week. All I get
is "no answer."
I hope that all is well with you. Please telephone me at 532-6629 so that I
may again make arrangements for witnesses and a notary public. I can then
reschedule your appointment.
Sincerely,
David P. Perkins, Esquire
DAVID P. PERKINS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4 James Circle
Shippensbur~ PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 532-6629
October 20, 2003
Mr. James Baird, Jr.
Lot
Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
For Professional Services rendered:
$ 75.00 Correspondence with Kathryn Hershey. Telephone call and
correspondence with Barbara A. Hoover, F&M Trust Shippensburg.
Telephone call and fax transmission from Neil Funeral Home. Telephone
call F&M Trust trust department involving ~ hoiir professional time
$150.00 Preparation of Last Will and Testament.
$150.00 Preparation of Power of Attorney
/lmount Due
COPY
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: DAVID P. PERKINS
DAVID P. PERKINS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 532-6629
COPy
November 1, 2003
Mr. James Baird, Jr.
Lot #21
Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
For Professional Services rendered:
$3 75.00 Balance Due asper statement dated October 20, 2003
THIS AMOUNT OVERDUE
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: DAVID P. PERKINS
DAVID P. PERKINS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 532-6629
December 1, 2003
Mr. James Baird, Jr,
Lot #21
Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
For Professional Services rendered:
$375.00
10.00
$385.00
Balance Due as per statement dated November 1, 2003
Billin~ fee
NOTICE
THIS AMOUNT OVERDUE
~ ,qot paid ~n full before December 3I,
,..uuo suit
be filed in Cumberland Cour~ty Court to co,tec, th~s
delinquent accoum
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: DAVID P. PERKINS
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa
C.S. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: January 23, 2004
David P. Perkins, Plaintiff
SHERIFF'S RETURN
CASE NO: 2004-00301 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
PERKINS DAVID P
VS
BAIRD JAMES JR
- REGULAR
BRIAN BARRICK ,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
BAIRD JAMES JR
DEPENDANT at
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
who being duly sworn according to law,
was served upon
the
1041:00 HOURS, on the 28th day of January ,
2004
at SHIPPENSBURG MOBILE ESTATES
SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257
PRANK SOUTHERLY,
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
LOT 21
by handing to
POWER OF ATTORNEY
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 13.80
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
41.80
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ,~ day of
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
0DA1/V~Dg/2pOE~INS -~
Deputy Sheriff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS, :
Plaintiff :
_.
V.
:
JAMES BAIRD, JR., :
Defendant :
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04-301 CIVIL
NOTICE TO PLEAD
To: David P. Perkins, Plaintiff
You are hereby notified to plead to the attached New Matter within twemy (20) days
from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
WEIGLE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
e, Esquire
I.D. No. 01624
126 East King Street
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717) 532-7388
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS,
Plaintiff
V.
JAMES BAIRD, JR.,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04-301 CIVIL
ANSWER TO COMPLAINT AND NEW MATTER
ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES the Defendant, James Baird, Jr., through his counsel, Jerry A.
Weigle, Esquire, who answers the Complaint filed as follows:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff has represented the
Defendant prior to October 1, 2003. By way of further answer, the contact was sporadic
and the attomey-client relationship ended with correspondence directed to the Plaintiff by
Defendant's counsel dated October 10, 2003, and from the Defendant himself to the
Plaintiff dated October 16, 2003, copies of which are attached hereto, made a part hereof,
and marked Defendant's Exhibits 1 and 2 respectively.
Denied as stated. On or about September 26, 2003, the Defendant contacted the Plaintiff
specifically for the purpose of changing the Defendant's general, durable Power of
Attorney. By way of further answer, Defendant had specific intentions as to the changes
in the document he wished to make.
Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted.
11. It is admitted that Plaintiff billed Defendant $150.00 for a one-sentence Revocation of
Power of Attorney and meeting with the Plaintiff. By way of further answer, Defendant
paid the bill believing that amount was all he owed the Plaintiff for services rendered.
Copies of the Revocation of Power of Attorney and billing statement marked "paid"
are attached hereto, made a part hereof, and marked Defendant's Exhibits 3 and
4 respectively.
12. Denied as stated. Defendant did not need any recommendation from the Plaintiff as to
the need for the preparation of a new Power of Attorney.
13. Denied as stated. Defendant specifically requested that a specific person be named as his
Power of Attorney. By way of further answer, the Plaintiff spent the better part of an
hour pressuring the Defendant to name the Plaintiff as his Power of Attorney and
requesting that he sign blank pages to be completed at a later date.
14. Denied as stated. Defendant incorporates by reference his answer to paragraph 13 of
the Complaint.
15. Denied. The Plaintiff pressured the Defendant into consenting to the Plaintiff acting
as his Power of Attorney. By way of further answer, Defendant at all times relevant to
this proceeding had a specific person in mind other than the Plaintiff to act as his power
of attorney.
16. Denied. Defendant was pressured into agreeing to permit Plaintiff to serve as his Power
of Attorney. Defendant does not remember "conditions" as set forth in the Complaint
and strict proof thereof is demanded if at all relevant to this proceeding.
17. Denied. Defendant indicated to the Plaintiff that he would consider possible changes to
his Last Will and Testament at a later date.
18. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that a scheduling conflict occurred.
Defendant is not aware that a power of attorney document was ever prepared by the
Plaintiff and therefore denies the allegations. By way of further answer, the Defendant at
no time specifically requested that the Plaintiff be named as Defendant's attorney-in-fact.
19. Admitted in part and denied in part. Although Defendant may have been contacted about
a rescheduled appointment, he has no recollection about arrangements being made to
have witnesses and a notary appear at his home for power of attorney execution purposes
and therefore denies the allegation.
20. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant may have had a
doctor's appointment. Defendant does not now remember what Plaintiff may have said at
the time that an appointment may have been attempted and therefore denies Plaintiff's
allegations. By way of further answer, Defendant never authorized the preparation of a
new, revised Last Will and Testament and never wanted a power of attorney appointing
the Plaintiff as his attorney-in-fact.
21. Admitted. By way of further answer, Plaintiff attempted direct contact with the
Defendant both before and after he was advised that his services had been terminated.
22. Admitted. By way of further answer, Defendant incorporates his answer to paragraph 5
of the Complaint by reference thereto.
23. Admitted.
24. Denied. The services scheduled by the Plaintiff were no__!t at the specific request of the
Defendant nor are the charges customary and reasonable under the circumstances and
strict proof is demanded at trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests that this Court enter judgment in favor of the Defendant and
against the Plaintiff together with costs of suit and such other and future relief as the Court shall
deem proper.
NEW MATTER
AND NOW COMES the Defendant, James Baird, Jr., who alleges the following under the
heading of New Matter:
25. The Defendant incorporates herein his answer to paragraphs 1 through 24 of the
Complaint by reference thereto.
26. The Defendant, James Baird, Jr., is presently 81 years of age, very hard of hearing and
suffers from breathing and related problems.
27.
28.
The Defendant cannot read or write and now depends upon others to drive him from
place to place most of the time.
The Defendant has difficulty assimilating certain types of information and retaining
the same.
29. At all times relevant to this proceeding, Defendant wanted his friend and neighbor and
nominee to become his attorney-in-fact to be present with him in Plaintiff's office, but
was not permitted by Plaintiff to do so.
30. Plaintiff has broken the above-referenced fiduciary relationship by exerting undue
influence upon the Defendant under the circumstances presented.
31. As further evidence of said undue influence, see Defendant's life insurance change of
beneficiary form dated October 2, 2003, prepared by the Plaintiff naming himself as
beneficiary, a copy of which is attached hereto, made a part hereof and made a part of
Defendant's Exhibit 5.
32. There was no agreement between the parties concerning the monies claimed by Plaintiff.
33. Plaintiff's conduct was fraudulent.
34. Plaintiffbreached his confidential relationship with Defendant.
35. Plaintiff placed Defendant under duress.
36. It would be unconscionable to hold Defendant liable to Plaintiff under the circumstances.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests that this Court enter judgment in favor of the Defendant and
against the Plaintiff together with costs of suit and such other and future relief as the Court shall
deem proper.
le, Esquire
I~9. No. 01624
126 East King Street
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717) 532-7388
Attorney for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in this Answer and New Matter are true and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section
4904, relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
. ,,~am~s Baird, Jr., Defe.~nt
JERRy A. WEIGLE
JOSEPH p. RUANE
RICHARD L. WEBBER, JR.
Of Counsel
THOMAS L. BRIGHT
David P. Perkins, Esquire
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257
WEIGLE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Attorneys-at-Law
126 EAST KING STREET
SH/PPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17257-1397
TELEPHONE (717) 532-7388 or (717) 776-4295
FAX (717) 532-5289
weigleassociates~earthlin k net
October 10, 2003
Dear Dave:
James Baird, Jr. has contacted me to complete some Estate Planning which I believe you
began last Wednesday, October 1, 2003 when Mr. Baird was in your office. Kindly
forward the original of his present Last Will and Testament and at least copies of any
documents, which he signed in your office on October 1, 2003.
JAW/paf
Very truly yours,
~/ ~t~y ~. v~eigle, EsqUire
lfi~lIBIT I
Mr. James Baird, Jr.
Lot #21
Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
FILE
David P. Perkins, Esquire
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257
October 16, 2003
RE: James Baird,
Dear Attorney Perkins:
I am in receipt of your letter to me dated October 13, 2003. I no longer want you to
represent me. Please forward the Will and Power of Attorney documents you prepared
and I have paid for but have not signed, to either myself at my home address or to
Attorney Jerry A. Weigle, Esquire immediately. Mr. Weigle has already requested these
documents from you last week.
Thank you.
cc: Jerry A. Weigle, Esquire
Very truly yours,
James Baird, Jr. ~
lflltlBI'f 2
REVOCATION OF POWER
Kathryn J. Hershey
93 Hershey Road
Shippensbnrg, PA 17257
I, James Baird Jr, presently resid/ng at 21 Shippensburg Mobile Estates,
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania do hereby cancel and revoke the Power of Attorney
given by me to Kathryn J. Hershey as my agent, said document,
Dated: October 1, 2003
dat~d..Ju~y ,2002.
I/,I~IIBIT 3
DAVID P. PERKINS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (717) 532-6629
October 1, 2003
Mr. James Baird, Jr.
Lot ~Y21
Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA 17257
For Professional Services rendered:
$150.00 Office consultation with and without neighbor regarding
concerns over current agent acting pursuant to power of attorney, discussion
of options and preparation of revocation of power of attorney.
- $150.00 payment-October 1, 2003
0 amount due
lf/alIBIT 4
COPY
Hillenbrand Ind. 10/2/2003 8:04 A~ PAGE 1/3 RightF&x
SEE INSTRUCTI'DNS OAr REVERSE ,.~rDE
POLICY/CERTIFICATE CHANGE FORM
TH' :GHT
CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS
New N~r,e
[ ] CORRECTIONOFAGE
Dam of Bi-th: Age:
Mmth Deft Ye. ar
[ ] REQUEST FOR C4~H SURRENDER BENEFITS
1'o#~7'/ceHifwMe mm't be returned wJfl~ ' '
~ ~, I s~ ~E~ ~d~F~u~
hfe ln[~ C~p~y ~ ~ obli~dom =~r ~e ~icy/
I CHANGEOFP,4YMENTMODE
New Mode Selec/ed
~ Au~ ~t Au~ *
M~y Billing ~ S~ ~ 3~ ~ 1~ ~ 17~ ~ ~
[ ~ R~QUESTFORPOLICY/CERT1FICATEI. OAN
C~ lVlaximmn amount nvnilnhle
CI Less~ramount (~ecif-y)
I hereby ~ss//n a po~ion of the policy/ceniflca~ pmcee, ds
the oumaadiag loa~ balance (iacludiag
T~. ~honght L/re Insurance Compaay as security
reque~ revokes any previous des/gn~..~oa.
shall have pfior/ty over t~ ima~st~ of
else who may have aa intew~£ ia thL~ coverage.
CI l'~ori~i~T policy/cen/fica~eb,~beealost
C] A dt~pffcate policy/ce~fi,-.~,,~ ia
R~TURN ALL COPIES TO FORETHOUGHTLIF~ INSURANCE COMPAN~
~xu (BIT 5
IN THE COURT OF COMMON iPLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS
Plaintiff
VS.
JAMES BAIRD, JR.
Defendant
: CIVIL AC'TION - LAW
;
;
No. 04-3011 CIVIL
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER
NOW COMES THE PLAINTIFF, David P. Perkins, and answers Defendant's new
matter as follows:
25. Denied. No response is required.
26. Admitted.
27. Denied. It is admitted that Defendant has limited reading ability.
Defendant owns or recently owned a motor vehicle and in October 2003 possessed the
ability to, and in fact did, operate his vehicle on the public highways.
28. Denied. At the time Plaintiff provided the services for which payment is
sought the Defendant had no trouble assimilating or retaining information. On several
occasions in person and by telephone Defendant communicated with Plaintiff dearly a
thorough knowledge of Defendant's assets, financial obligations, then current management
of the same, as well as relationships with other parties and tire activities of those managing
his assets and financial affairs.
29. Denied. At the time of Defendant's initial office consultation on October l,
2003 Defendant was transported to Plaintiffs office by an individual unknown to Plaintiff
but introduced as Defendant's neighbor. The neighbor accompanied Defendant into
Plaintiffs private office where Defendant expressed his present dissatisfaction with his then
power of attorney Kathryn J. Hershey, and his desire to revoke her authority. When asked
about a choice for another individual to serve as Defendant's power of attorney, Defendant
indicated the individual who had brought him to the appointment. Plaintiffthen asked the
individual to permit Plaintiff to meet with Defendant in private and the individual left the
office. Plaintiff then asked Defendant how long .he had known the individual. Defendant
indicated that this individual lived in the same trailer park as Defendant, but that he had
only actually gotten to know him within the preceding couple of months. Defendant
indicated that he was determined to revoke the authority of his then current power of
attorney, but that he really had no other nominee to replace her. Plaintiff and Defendant
discussed the possibility of Plaintiff acting as power of attorney. Plaintiff agreed, upon
certain conditions, to do so. On a number of occasions in person and by telephone
Defendant contacted Plaintiffs office to reaffirm his desire to have Plaintiff serve as his
power of attorney.
30. Denied. It is denied the Plaintiff breached his fiduciary duties to Defendant
and proof thereof is demanded at trial. It is denied that Plaintiff exerted undo influence
upon the Defendant and proof thereof is demanded at trial. On the contrary, in light of
Plaintiff and Defendant's attorney/client relationship spanning a period of several years,
and Defendant's history of allegations of fraud, theft and wrong doing against a number of
other individuals who had previously served as power of attorney for Defendant over the
course of the attorney/client relationship, Plaintiff had both a professional and a fiduciary
obligation to assure that any individual who might assume ~the duties of Defendant's power
of attorney acted only in the best interests of the Defendant.
31. Denied. It is denied that the document attached as Exhibit 5 to Defendant's
New Matter is evidence of the alleged undo influence of Plaintiff Plaintiff does not recall
any specific discussion with the Defendant about naming Plaintiff as beneficiary of
Defendant's "policy or certificate." Plaintiffhas no knowledge of the type and value of the
"policy or ' ',
certificate. It is denied that Plaintiff prepared any documents naming Plaintiff
as beneficiary of any Defendant's assets. It is specifically denied that the document
identified as Exhibit 5 of Defendant's New Matter was prepared by Plaintiff, and proof
thereof is demanded at trial.
32. Denied. On October 1, 2003 Defendant agreed to pay, and in fact did
promptly pay, Plaintiff the sum of $150.00 for the October 1, 2003 office consultation
with and the office conference without the presence of the individual identified by
Defendant as neighbor, preparation of document revoking anthority ofKathryn J. Hershey
as Power of Attorney for Defendant, and Plaintiffs service of Notice of Revocation by
certified mail restricted delivery. Defendant directed Plaintiff to prepare a new power of
attorney naming Plaintiff as Power of Attorney and F&M Trust of Chambersburg as
alternate Power of Attorney. Defendant also requested Plaintiff to prepare a new Last
Will and Testament naming Plaintiff as Trustee and Executor and naming F&M Trust of
Chambersburg as alternate Trustee and alternate Executor. Defendant was informed by
Plaintiff that Defendant could also have the bank serve his power ox' attorney instead of
Plaintiff and that Defendant could inquire as to the bank's fee schedule. Plaintiff informed
Defendant that his fees for services as power of attorney would be the same fees as
Plaintiffs then current hourly rate for attorney's fees. Defendant then reaffirmed his desire
to have Plaintiff serve as his power of attorney as well as to prepare the requested
documents. Plaintiff prepared the documents in accordance with Defendant's wishes.
33.
response.
Denied. This averrment is a conclusion of law and does not require a
34. Denied. This averrment is a conclusion of law and does not require a
response.
35.
response.
Denied. This averrment is a conclusion of law and does not require a
36.
response.
Denied. This averrment is a conclusion of law and does not require a
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that this Court find judgment in favor of Plaintiff
and against Defendant in the amount of three hundred eighty-five dollars ($385.00)
together with interest thereon at the legal rate from October 20, 2003, costs, and such
other and further relief as this Court shall deem proper.
Dated: July 30, 2004
David P. Perkins, Esquire
Attorney 1D//34342
David P. Perki!ns, Esquire
Attorney at Law
4 James Circle
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2165
Telephone: (7] 7) 658-6531
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in PlainlSff's Answer to Defendant's
New Matter are true and Correct. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Date:
David P. Perkins, Plaintiff
DAVID P. PERKINS,
Plaintiff
VS.
JAMES BAIRD, IR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 04 -301 CIVIL
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITKATORS
TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
David P. Perkins, Esquire, counsel for the Plaimiff in the above action respectfully represents that:
1. The above-captioned action is at issue.
2. The claim of the Plaintiff in the action is three hundred eighty-five dollars ($385.00) together
with interest thereon lit the legal rate from October 20, 2003.
The following attorneys are interested in the case as counsel or are otherwise disqualified to sit as
arbitrators: Jerry A. Weigle, Richard L. Webber, Jr., Joseph P. Ruane, and Thomas L. Bright.
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3) arbitrators to whom the
case shall be submitted.
Respectfully submitted,
David P. Perkins, Esqmre
Attorney for Plaintiff
ORDER OF COURT
d
AND NOW,,.,~-g .~M/go~d), 2004, in consideration of the foregoing petition,
and ~,~K~)~sqmre, are appointed in the above captioned acti/'''''t on as prayed for.
DAVID P. PERKINS
VS.
JAMES BAIRD, JR.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ,OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLViM'NtA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff :
:
: NO. 04 - 301 CIVIL
:
Defendant
~ pRAECIPE FOR RULE~ UP~ON SUCCESSOR
URSUANT_ TO Pa. RCP 2352. {b~
To the Prothonotary:
Please enter a Rule pursuant to Pa. RCP 2352 (b) upon Franklin D. Southerly of 33 Shippensburg
Mobile Estates, Shippensburg, PA 17257, Executor of the Estate of James Baird, Jr., deceased, to
show cause why he should not be substituted as the Defendant in this action in place of James
Baird, Jr..
In support of this praecipe Plaintiff sets forth the following facts:
l. The Defendant James Baird, Jr. died on May 24, 2004 .... 1
2. At the time of his death James Baird, Jr. was the defendant in the above-captioned
action.
3. On June 3, 2004, Letters Testamentary in the Estate of James Baird, Jr., deceased, were
issued to Franklin D. Southerly by the Cumberland Register of Wills at File No. 21-04-
522.
4. Franklin D. Southerly continues to serve as Executor of the Estate of James Baird, Jr.,
deceased.
Date: August 30, 2004 ~avid P. perkins, Esquire
Attorney ID # 343.42
Attorney for plaintiff
DAVID P. PERKINS
VS.
JAMES BAIRD, JR.
Plaintiff
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04 - 301 CIVIL
RULE UPON. SUCCESSSOR PURSUANT TO Pa. RCP 2352
To: Franklin D. Southerly
33 Shippensburg Mobile Estate
Shippensburg, PA 17257
On this ~7) 0 day of August, 2004 a role is hereby entered on. Franklin D. Southerly, Executor
of the Estate of James Baird, Jr., deceased, to show cause why you should not be substituted for
James Baird, Jr. as the Defendant in this action.
Said rule returnable within twenty (20) days of service.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS,
Plaintiff
JAMES BAIRD, JR.,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04-301 CIVIL
NOTICE OF DEATH
The death of James Baird, Jr., Defendant in the above captioned action, during the
pendency of this action is noted upon the record pursuant to PRCP 2355 (a). The
Defendant died May 24, 2004, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. See Death
Certificate attached.
Weigle & Associates, P.C.
~.e
~erry ^. ~ igle, Esquire
~ttomey for Defendant
Cc Frances H. DelDuca, Esquire
David P. Perkins, Esquire
This is to certify that the information here given is correctly copied from an original certificate of death duly filed x, ith me as
Local Registrar. The original certificate will be forwarded to the State Vital Records Office for perm2ment,, filing.
WARNING: It is illegal to duplicate this copy by photostat or photograph.
Fee for this certificate, $2.1)0
,.0371860
No.
Local Registrar
Dale
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ' DEPARTMENI OF HEALTH: * VITAL RECORDS
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID P. PERKINS, :
Plaintiff. ·
JAMES BAIRD, JR., :
Defendant :
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04-301 CIVIL
STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS RELATIVE TO
SUBSTITUTION OF PARTY PURSUANT TO
PRCP 2352(a)
1. The Defendant, James Baird, Jr., died on May 24, 2004 - See "Notice of Death" filed
in the above captioned matter, pursuant to PRCP 2355(a).
2. Letters Testamentary were granted to the undersigned in Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, on June 3, 2004 - See Short Certificate attached.
Franklin D. Southerly
I verify that the facts set forth in the above Statement of Materials Facts are true and
correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa C.S. § 4904, relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
Date: ~-/- 0~r .2r~,.~__" t~.)O~
Franklin D. Southerly
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHORT CERTIFICATE
estate of BAIRD JAMES JR
(Last, First, Middle(
in said county, deceased·
I, GLENDA FARNER STRASBAUGH
Register for the Probate of wills and Granting
Letters of Administration in and for
CUMBERLAND County· dc, hereby certify that on
the 3rd day of June, Two Thousand and Four,
Letters TESTAMENTARY
in common form were granted by the Register of
said County, on the
· late of SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
to SOUTHERLY FRANKLIN D
(Last, First, Middle)
and that same has not since been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said office at CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA, this 31st day of August
Two Thousand and Four.
File No.
PA File No.
Date of Death
s.s. #
2004-00522
21-04-0522
5/24/2004
196-14-2927
- Register Of~Vills --' ~/// l~
NOT VALID WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIGNATURE AND IMPRESSED SEAL
DAVID P. PERKINS
VS.
JAMES BAIRD, JR.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
cUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff :
: NO. 04 - 301 CIVIL
Defendant
praecipe for_ Withdrawl o.f_C~ounsel
To: Curtis Long, Prothonotary
Please enter my withdrawal of appearance as Attorney for Plaintiff in the above-captioned
matter.
October 15, 2004
~wa~d P. Perkins, Esquire
Attorney ID # 34342
Praeci~e for Entr~ of Ao ~p~__~9~¢ of Counsel for Plaintiff.
To: Curtis Long, Prothonotary
Please enter my appearance as Attorney for Plaintiff David P. Perkins in the above-captioned
matter.
October 15, 2004 ~o~me~n~gE;~
DAVID P. PERKINS
JAMES J. BAIRD, JR.
In The Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
No. 200~ - 301 ~
Civil Action - Law
OATH
We do solemnly swear (or affirm) =ha~ we will support, obey and defend
The Cons~itutlon of the United STates and the Cons~itu~-~on of this Common-
wealth and ~hat we will discharEe the duties of our office wi~h fidelity.
' '' '
Richard P. ~lslitsky, Esq.
We, the undersigned arbitrators, havTng been duly appointed and sworn
(or affirmed), make the following award:
(Note: If damages for dele7 are awarded, =hey shall be
separately stated.)
We award the Plaintiff, David P. Perkins, Two Hundred Twenty-
five Dollars ($225.) and against the defendant, James J. Baird, Jr.
· Arbitrator, dissents. (Insert name if
applicable. )
Date of Hearing: ,{/D~/~,~ rD ~/
~a~es H. De~Duca~hs~n
Richard P. Mislit'sky, Esq.
NOTIC~ OF ENTR! OF AWARD
Now, :he i~)~ da~ of ~~ , ~~ at ~.'0~, ~., ~he above
a~rd was entered upon =he docket and notice ~hereof ~iven b7 ~il ~o =he
9ar:ies or ~Seir a~:o~a~s. ~~~~°
ArSttra=ors' toleration =o be
paid upon appel: no=a~
Deputy