HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-09 (2)Stanley A. Smith, Esquire
Attorney I.D. 33782
Jill E. Newry, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 20805
RHOAL)S & SINON LLP
One South Market Square
PO Box 1 146
Harrisburg, AA 17108-f 146
(717)233-731
Attornevs for Co-'Trustees
IN RE:
QTIP TRUST U/A
GEORGE E. DIXON, JR
No V. Otto, III, Esquire
Attorney l.D. 27763
Katie J. Maxwell, Esquire
Attorney 1.D. No. 206015
MARTSON LAW OF1=ICES
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for [2ichard E. Dixon
and George F. Dixon, Ili
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
ORPI-TANS' COURT DIVISION
NO. 2 I - 1994-0754
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Daniel L. Sullivan, Esquire
Saidis Flower & Lindsay
2109 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 1701 1
YOU ARE I-IEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM SERVICI!:
HEREOF' OR A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTEREll A(YAINST YOU.
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MAIZTSON LAW OFFICES
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Ivo V. Ott II
Katie J. Maxwell
10 1/ast High Street
Carlisle, I'A 17013
{717) 243-3341
Attorneys for Richard E. Dixon and
George F Dixon, III
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Stanley A. Smith
ph (717) ?3/-6628
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ssmith c,rhoads-sinon.com
FILE T:O: 1 O~c~~~~~
March. 20, 2009
RE: TRUST UNDER AGREEMF,NT (QTIP}
DATED MAY 16, 1985 AMENDED
AUGUST 16, 1985 WITH GEORGE F. DIXON, ~R.
No. 21-1994-0754
Ms. Glenda Farner-Strasbaugh
Register of Wills
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
Dear Ms. Farner-Strasbaugh:
Enclosed for filing please find an original Answer to Objections of Marshall L. Dixon to
First and Final Account of Manufacturers and Traders Tntst Company in the above-referenced
matter. Also enclosed is a check in the amount of $5.00 to cover the filing fee. Please time
stamp the enclosed page and return it to the courier.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the enclosed filing, please contact the
undersigned.
Very truly yours,
BROADS & STNON I,LP r_~
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By: G=am' ,,~ 'o cJ' "'
Staple ~mith - ~ rr; r`"
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cc: No V. Otto, III, Esquire (w/encl} ~'~ r.~a ~ _~
Mr. Joseph A. Macri, M&T (w/encl) ~ r.
Wayne F. Shade, Esquire (w/encl) tv
Daniel L. Sullivan, Esquire (w/encl)
Elizabeth P. Mullaugh, Esquire (w/encl)
Thomas P. Gacki, Esquire (w/encl)
7~ba4'- i Rhoads 6r 5iuon LLP Attorneys at Law Twelfth Floor One South Market Square P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 1710$-]l46 p1i (717) 233-5731 fx (717) 232-1459 «~ww.rhoads-sinon.com
Stanley A. Smith, Esquire No V. Otto, I11, lquire
Attorney LD. 33782 Attorney I.D. 27763
Jill E. Neary, Esquire Katie J. Maxwell, Esquire
Attorney LD. No. 208055 Attorney LD. No. 206018
BROADS & SINON LLP MARTSON LAW OFFICES
One South Market Square 10 East High Street
PO Box i 146 Carlisle, PA 17013
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146 Attorneys for Richard E. Dixon
(717) 233-5731 and George F. Dixon, III
Attorneys for Co-Trustees as Co-Trustees
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBF,RLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
1N RE:
Q"I'IY TRUST U/A
GEORGE F. DIXON, JR. = ORPHANS' COURT DIVISIQN
NO.21-1994-0754 ``-a
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ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF CO-TRUSTEES AND _ ' ~~
BENEFICIARIES OF THE QTIP TRUST TO OBJECTIONS OF J = ~'~
MARSHALL L. DIXON, INDIVIDUALLY, TO THE ~~-~ _~~ r*~ -, :~~'
ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION -y"-` ,.- _
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NOW COME, Manufacturers & Traders Trust Company, Richard E. Dixon, and
George F. Dixon, III, as Ca-Trustees of the QTIP Trust under the George F. Dixon, Jr.
Revocable Trust dated May 16, 19$5 {the "QTIP Trust"), by and through their attorneys,
Rhoads & Sinon LLP, and Richard E. Dixon and George F. Dixon, III, as Co-Trustees of
the QTIP Trust, by and through their attorneys, Martson Law Offices, and file the
following Answer to Objections of Marshall I,. Dixon, individually, as beneficiary of the
QTIP Trust:
1. Admitted.
2_ Admitted.
735769.1
3. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Marshall, Richard, George, and
Charlotte Dixon are beneficiaries of the QTIP Tntst. It is denied as a conclusion of law
that they are "the four equal beneficiaries" of the QTIP "I'nist. The QTIP Trust is a
writing that speaks for itself, and requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the
Objector, which are denied,
4. Admitted.
5. Article XVII of the QTIP Trust, being a writing, speaks for itself, and
requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied.
6. Admitted.
7. Article VI (B} of the QTIP Trust, being a writing, speaks for itself, and
requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied.
8. It is admitted that Lottie I. Dixon died on June 28, 2007. The QTIP 'Trust,
being a writing, speaks for itself, and requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by
the Objector, which are denied.
9. Admitted. By way of further answer, the Petition for Adjudication and
Statement of Proposed Distribution, being writings, speak for themselves and require no
paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied.
10. The first statement regarding M&T's withdrawal as Co-Trustee is
admitted. The Petition for Adjudication, being a writing, speaks for itself, and requires
no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied. By way of
further answer, the assets which are proposed to be retained far further administration are
primarily illiquid interests in real estate that would be administered more efficiently by
the non-corporate Co-Trustees.
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l 1, Denied in part and admitted in part. The Account, being a writing, speaks
for itself, and requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are
denied. By way of further answer, the Account reveals that all of the Settlor's children,
inc]uding the Objector, Marshall Dixon, borrowed from the QT1P T'nist, All such loans
were approved in advance in writing by all parties in interest.
12. The Account, being a writing, speaks for itself, and requires no
paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied. It is specifically
denied that Richard has not met his payment obligations. By way of further answer, all
of Richard's loans were paid in full and his debt the Trust fully satisfied as of June 27,
2006. The proposed distributions and satisfaction of George's notes would constitute
payment in full of all interest, principal, and late fees owed by George. This paragraph
also contains conclusions of law to which no response is required. In the event and to the
extent that an answer is deemed to be required, the averments are denied.
13. The Account, being a writing, speaks for itself, and requires no
paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are denied.
14. 'fo the extent Marshall objects to the Account and Statement of Proposed
Distributions, Co-Trustees respond as follows:
A. Denied as stated. The QTIP Tn~st, being a writing, speaks for
itself, and requires no paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the
Objector, which are denied. Byway of fi~rther answer, the Co-
Trustees were required to make and have made reasonable efforts
to maintain, liquidate, and distribute trust assets following death of
Lottie 1. Dixon but have not been able to liquidate the real estate
due to the existing economic conditions. The Co-Trustees are
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entitled to a reasonable period of time in which to appropriately
liquidate the real property held by the QTIP Trust and
subsequently distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries of the
QTIP Trust. To the extent this paragraph contains conclusions of
law, the same are denied.
B. This paragraph contains a statement to which no responsive
pleading is required. In the event and to the extent a pleading is
deemed to be required, the same is denied.
(i) This statement contains a factual and legal conclusion to
which no response is required. In the event and to the
extent that an answer is deemed to be required, the
averment is denied. By way of further answer, the QTIP
'1 rust does not state that a corporate Co-Tnistee is required
in all events.
(ii) This statement is a legal conclusion to which no response is
required. In the event and to the extent that an answer is
deemed to be required, the avernent is denied.
(iii} This statement is a legal conclusion to which no response is
required. In the event and to the extent that an answer is
deemed to be required, the averment is denied. By way of
further answer, the interests of George and Richard are
fully aligned with those of the other beneficiaries of the
QTIP Tntst as to the liquidation and distribution of the
remaining assets.
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(iv) Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that both
Richard and George Dixon reside out of state. It is
specifically denied that this fact renders them unable to
serve as Co-Tn~stees for the administration of properties
located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. To the
extent this paragraph contains conclusions of law, the same
are denied.
{v) Denied. By way of fi-rther answer, the QTIP Trust is being
made whole through the proposed distribution. This
paragraph contains conclusions of law to which no
response is required. In the event and to the extent that an
answer is deemed to be required, the averments are denied.
(vi) This statement is a legal conclusion to which no response is
required. In the event and to the extent that an answer is
deemed to be required, the same is denied.
C. The Account, being a writing, speaks for itself, and requires no
paraphrasing or mischaracterizations by the Objector, which are
denied. It is denied that the Account does not identify the loan
documents and all other information pertaining to the loans in
order to enable Marshall to determine the payment histories and
calculations. It is admitted that George Dixon ceased repayment of
his loan in 2002. By way of further answer, all arrearages were
paid by George as part of the QTIP Trust distribution on October
11, 2007, and the remaining balance will be paid in full as part of
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the proposed distribution of assets. The statement regarding
surcharge of the Co-Trustees is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. In the event and to the extent a response is
deemed to be required, the same is denied.
D. Denied as stated. The Account is "Final" only with respect to
M&T Trust Company in its role as a Co-Trustee. The proposed
remaining Co-Trustees, Richard and George, acknowledge their
continuing duty to account to QT1P Tnist beneficiaries in the
future.
WHEREFORE, Co-Trustees of the QTIP Trust, Manufacturers & Traders Trust
Company, Richard E. Dixon, and George F. Dixon III respectfully request the following
relief: (1) that Marshall L. Dixon's Objections are denied in their entirety; and (2) that
the Statement of Proposed Distribution for the assets of the QTIP Trust is confirmed and
that the Account submitted is deemed the "First and Final Accotult."
NEW MATTER
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 above are incorporated by reference as if set forth
in full. The Co-Trustees therefore re-allege and incorporate by reference its responses to
paragraphs 1 through 14 of Marshall Dixon's Objections. To the extent a responsive
pleading is required, the same is denied.
16. Any objections to the loans made to Richard and George Dixon from the
QTIP Tnist are barred by the Consents executed by Marshall Dixon approving such
loans. All of the Consents signed by Marshall Dixon contain the following language:
The undersigned intend to be legally bound by this Consent. They
acknowledge that their binding consent is given after full knowledge and
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disclosure of all relevant facts and after discussion and negotiation of the
same. The undersigned, each for themselves, their heirs and assigns, agree
to indemnify and save the Co-Trustees of the George F. Dixon Jr. 1'nist
Under Agreement and QTIP Trust harmless from and against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities or damages which the Co-Trustees incur in
connection with any actions previously taken or hereafter taken which are
consistent with the Consent herein provided and waive any claims against
the Co-Trustees for actions previously taken or hereafter taken which are
consistent with the Consent herein provided.
WHEREFORE, Co-Trustees of the QTIP Tnist, Manufacturers & Traders Trust
Company, Richard E. Dixon, and George F. Dixon TIi respectfully request the following
relief: (1) that Marshall L. Dixon's Objections are denied in their entirety; and (2) that
the Statement of Proposed Distribution for the assets of the QTIP Trust is confirmed and
that the Account is deemed the "First and Final Account."
Respectfully submitted,
By:
BROADS & SINON
Sidi-Ii e"y A.-Smith
Jill E. Neary
One South Market Square
P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717)233-5731
Attorneys for Co-Tnsstees
MARTSON LAW OFFICES
By:
No V. Otto 1rI _--
Katie J. Maxwell
l0 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)243-3341
Attorneys for Richard E, Dixon and
George F. Dixon, III as Co-Trustees
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VERIFICATION
Ruth Ann McMillen, deposes and says, subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities, that she is an Officer of Manufacturers and
Traders 'Ernst Company that she makes this verification by its authority and that the facts set
forth in the foregoing Answer and New Matter are true and correct to the best of her knowledge,
information and belief.
`7 , ~ C-.
Date .-/
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Rut~i Ann McMillen
S TRUST OFFICE
+~ ~Y~cA~rzoN
Gearge Dixoxr, deposes and says, subject to the penalties o~ l8 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authoritiesy that he is a Co-Trustcc of. the t7'xlT' Trust u~dpr the George ~.
Dixon, Jr. Re~voeahle Trust, that he ~mak~ triis verification by its authority a»c1 that the facts set Earth
in the tAziswcx grad N'e~ar Matter are true and correct to the ~egt of h.is 'knowXedge, ixiformarion and
bplYtlt:
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Date Creorgo l~' on
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 20th day of March, 2009, a tnie and correct copy of the
foregoing Answer and New Matter to Marshall L. Dixon's Objections to Acco~mt and Statement
of Distribution was served by means of United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, upon the
following:
Daniel L. Sullivan, Esquire
SATDIS, FLOweR & LINDSAY
2109 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Elizabeth P. 1VIulIaugh, Esquire
MCNEES, WALLACE c~ NiTR1CK LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1160
K~
Stanley A. Smith, Esquire
Attorney J.D. 33782
Jill E. Neary, Esquire
Attorney LD. No. 208055
RHOADS & STNON LLP
One South Market Square
PO Box 1 146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1 146
(717)233-5731
Attorneys for Co-Trustees
IN RE:
QTIP TRUST U/A
GEORGE F. DIXON, ~R.
No V. Otto, II1, Esquire
Attorney I.D. 27763
Katie J. Maxwell, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 206018
MARTSON LAW OFFLCES
10 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for Richard f. Dixon
and George F. Dixon, III
IN TIIE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DTViSION
NO. 21-1994-0754
NOTICE TO PLEAD
To: Elizabeth P. Mullaugh, Esquire
McNees Wallace & Nurick LI_,C
] 00 Pine Street
PO Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 171 Q$-1166
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY {20) DAYS FROM SERVICE
HEREOF OR A JUUGMEN"t MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
Respectfitlly submitted,
RI-!(}AI7x5--~z~S ON .,I,P
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Stanley A. mtth
One South Market Square
P. O. Box 1146 n
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146 ~r0
(717) 233-5731 '~
Altor•neys for Co-Trustees c7
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Iva V. Otto, III
Katie J. Maxwell
10 bast High Street
Carlisle, PA I7p13
(7I7) 243-3341
Attorneys for Richard F. Dixon and
George F. Dixon, III
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