HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-0509IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA)
IRENE E. SIMPSON,
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a CLIFFORD
A. WARD, SR.,
Respondent
: No.
PETITION FOR CITATION TO SHOW CAUSE WHY AN INVENTOt~Y AND
ACCOUNTING SHOULD NOT BE FILED AS PER 20 PA. CONS. STAT,~j 5610 BY
RESPONDENT CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD WHILE ACTING AS CO-AG~ENT FOR
RICHARD B. WARD AND RELATED RELIEF
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
Petitioner, Irene E. Simpson (hereinafter "Petitioner"), by and through her attorneys
James, Smith, Dietterick and Connelly, LLP, alleges upon valid information and belief, as
follows:
o
THE PARTIES
Petitioner is an adult individual currently residing at 2118 Princeton Avenue, Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17011 and the adopted daughter of the principal as
defined below.
IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD B WARD (POA)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 21-2004-509
CITATION
WE COMMAND, you that laying aside all business and excuses whatsoever, you be and appear in your
proper person before the Honorable Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division at a
session of the said Court there to be held, for the County of Cumberland to show cause why an Inventory
and Accounting should not be filed for his actions completed under the Power of Attorney from inception
until the date hereof in a form that satisfies the requirements of the Probate Code and the Fiduciary
Accounting standards in the form as presented in Cumberland County O.C. Rule 6.1; why Respondent
should not dispose of any assets, and why he should not account for any and all assets that he has procured
or are in his possesion belonging to Principal's estaste whether via alleged gifi or other form~; why
Respondent should not produce the entire file and any copies of all documents in his possession relating to
Principal's estate, not limited to all prior tax returns, any and all certificates of deposit, all bank and
checking records, all brokerage accounts, deeds and mortgages associated therewith and other ancillary
financial information without limitation intended; and such other relief at this Court deems proper. Rule
returnable in writing twenty(20) days from the date of service.
Witness my hand an official seal of office at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, this 23rd day of June, 2004.
OrPhans' ~ourt Division ~-~__~ r- 9'
Cumberland County, Carlisle, PA (J
My Commission Expires on the 1 st Monday
January, 2006
o
Clifford Allan Ward a/k/a Clifford A. Ward, Sr. (hereinafter "Respondent") is an adult
individual residing at 460 East Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg, York County, Pennsylvania
17019 and son of the principal as defined below.
Richard B. Ward is an adult individual residing at 1844 Sheepford Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055, and is also the father of Petitioner and
Respondent (hereinafter "Principal").
JURISDICTION
The Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 20 Pa. Cons. Stat. §711 (22) which
provides that this Honorable Court shall have jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to
the exercise of agents acting under powers of attorney as provided in Chapter 56 of the
Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code.
20 Pa. Cons. Stat. §5610 provides that all accounts shall be filed in the county where the
Principal resides.
Petitioner has standing to file this petition as co-agent and pursuant to 20 Pa. Cons. Stat.
§5601(e), Respondent, as co-agent, is obligated to exercise the power on behalf of
Principal, keep assets separate fi.om those of Respondent, exercise reasonable caution and
prudence in the exercise of such powers, and keep a full and accurate record of all
actions, receipts and disbursements on behalf of Principal (an "Accounting").
FACTS AND ALLEGATIONS
Principal (Richard B. Ward) executed a Power of Attorney attached hereto as Exhibit
"A", naming Petitioner and Respondent as co-agents on October 27, 1997 (hereinafter,
Petitioner and Respondent shall also be collectively called "Co-Agent(s) ").
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Petitioner avers that Respondent may have not been cautious or prudent in his actions as
Co-Agent and out of her own fiduciary concerns as Co-Agent is desirous of procuring the
Accounting.
Principal recently amended his Will at the alleged direction of Respondent, significantly
altering certain pre-residuary and residuary gifts.
The Principal recently inherited approximately Four Hundred Thousand Dollars
($400,000) from his sister, Elva Kinter ("Kinter"), and the whereabouts of a significant
portion of said assets (namely the various joint certificates of deposits, stocks and
numerous antiques) are unaccounted for as of the date hereof (a tree and correct copy of
the Kinter Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return is attached hereto as Exhibit "B").
The Principal was named as the executor of Kinter's assets; however the Principal
deferred to the Respondent to administer the assets fi'om the estate (a tree and correct
copy of Kinter's Will is attached hereto as Exhibit "C").
Principal owns several rental units/homes and a portion of the proceeds from the rent
thereon remains unaccounted for and Petitioner is desirous of procuring the whereabouts
of said monies.
The Principal recently secured new counsel, namely James Powell Sheppard, despite a
long standing relationship with Richard Snelbaker of Snelbaker, Brenneman & Spare,
P.C., which extended for over a period of more than twenty years.
Respondent recently expended significant amounts of monies that appear beyond the
current standard of living normally maintained by the Respondent.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
The Principal, Petitioner, and other potential beneficiaries of Principal's estate will be
prejudiced if Respondent does not produce the records, file an inventory and provide an
Accounting as per 20 Pa. Cons. Stat. §5610.
Petitioner agrees to provide an accounting for this Honorable Court for all activities
during her limited tenure as a Co-Agent.
RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that:
The Court order Respondent to prepare and file with this Honorable Court an Accounting
for his actions completed under the Power of Attorney fi.om inception until the date
hereof in a form that satisfies the requirements of the Probate Code and the Fiduciary
Accounting standards in the form as presented in Cumberland County O.C. Rule 6.1;
Respondent not dispose of any assets and must account for any and all assets that he has
procured or are in his possession belonging to Principal's estate whether via alleged girl
or other forms;
Respondent produce the entire file and any copies of all documents in his possession
relating to Principal's estate not limited to all prior tax retums, any and all certificates of
deposits, all bank and checking records, all brokerage accounts, deeds and mortgages
associated therewith and other ancillary financial information without limitation intended;
and
20. Such other relief as the Court deems proper.
Date:
Respectfully submitted,
J~.Al~.$r$4~IITIt, DIETTERICK &
^~or~y ~.~. ~o~ 8~Z~8
134 ~pe Avenuel
Hun~elstown, PlA 17036
(717)x~33132_80/.'
Att o m~pfor.-l~ti ti on er
VERIFICATION
I, Irene E. Simpson, verify that the statements made in the foregoing Petition are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements herein are made subject
to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
Irene E. Simpson
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this O-5~{day of~__, 2004, I, Neil W. Yahn, Esquire, do hereby certify that
I served a tree and correct copy of the foregoing Petition upon the following below-named
individuals by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid at Hershey, Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania
SERVED UPON:
Clifford Allan Ward
460 East Mt. Airy Road
Dillsburg, PA 17019
Clifford A. Ward, Sr.
460 East Mt. Airy Road
Dillsburg, PA 17019
Neil
EXHIBIT A
GENERA.5 POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, ~ICHARD B. WARD, residing at 1844 Sheepford Road, Lower Allen
Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, hereby appoint CLIFFORD
ALLAN WARD, of Di~lsburg, Pennsylvania, and IRENE ELIZABETH SIMPSON,
of damp Hill, Pennsylvania, as my agents ("my agents"), to act jointly
and~shall have full power and authority to act on my behalf.
My %gents shall have full power and authority to act on my
behalf, This power and authority shall authorize my Agents to
man~ge and conduct all of my affairs and to exercise all of my
ieg~l rights and powers, including all rights and powers that I
may acquire in the future. My Agents' powers shall include, but
not be limited to, the power to:
i. Open, maintain or close bank accounts (including, but not
iimited to, checking accounts, savings accounts, and
ertificates of deposit), brokerage accounts, credit union
ccounts and other similar accounts with financial
mnstitutions-
a. Conduct any business with any banking or financial
institution with respect to any of my accounts, including,
but not limited to, making deposits and withdrawals,
obtaining bank statements, passbooks, drafts, money orders,
warrants, and certificates or vouchers payable to me by any
person, firm, corporation or political entity. ~ii '.
b. Perform any act necessary to deposit, negotiate, sell
or transfer any note, security, or draft of the United
States of America, including U.S. Treasury Securities.
c. Have access to any safe deposit Do× that I might own,
including its contents.
'2. Sell, exchange, buy, invest, or reinvest any assets or
)roperty owned by me. Such assets or property may include
lincome producing or non-income producing assets and property.
3. Purchase and/or maintain insurance, including life
insurance upon my life or the life of any other appropriate
iperson.
~4. Take any and all legal steps necessary to collect any
imount or deb~ owed to me, or to settle any claim, whether
ade against me or asserted on my behalf against any other
erson or entity.
~. Enter into binding contracts on my behalf·
. Exercise all stock rights on my behalf as my proxy,
ncluding all rights with respect to stocks, bonds,
ebentures, or other investments.
~ . Maintain and/or operate any business that I may own.
:. Employ professional and business assistance as may be
~ppropriate, including attorneys, accountants, and real '.
~state agents.
i. Sell, convey, lease, mortgage, manage, insure, improve,
epair, or perform any other act with respect to any of my
ropersy (now owned or later acquired) including, but not
imi~ed to, real estate and real estate rights (including the
fight to remove tenants and to recover possession). This'
includes the might to sell or encumber any homestead that I
now own or may own in the future.
i0. Prepare, sign, and file documents with any governmental
Dody or agency, including, but not limited to, authorization
to:
a. Prepare, sign and file income and other tax returhs
with federal, state, local, and other governmental bo~ies.
b. Obtain information or documents from any government or
its agencies, and negotiate, compromise, or settle any
matter with such government or agency (including tax
matters).
c. Prepare applications, provide information, and perform
any other act reasonably requested by any government or its
agencies in connection with governmental benefits
(including military and social security benefits). ~
ii. Disclaim any interest which might otherwise be
~a~
~y
£n
sferred or distributed to me from any other person,
ate, trust, or other entity, as may be appropriate.
Power of.Attorney shall be construed broadly as a General
of Attorney. The listing of specific powers is not
~nded to limit or restrict the general powers granted in this
ir of Attorney in any manner.
Power of Attorney also includes the power to authorize my
ssion to a medical, nursing, residential or similar
lity, and to enter into agreemenss for my care, as well as
power to authorize medical and surgical procedures.
power or authority granted to my Agents under this document
.1 be limited to the extent necessary to prevent this Power
y from causing: (i) my income to be taxable to my
ts, (ii) my assets to be subject to a general power of
.intment by my Agents, and {iii) my Agents to have any
dents of ownership with respect to any life insurance
.cies that I may own on the life of my. Agents.
ients shall not be liable for any loss that results from a
lent error that was made in good faith.' However, my Agents
Il be liable for willful misconduct or the failure to act in
faith while acting under the authority of this Power of
rney.
athorize my Agents to indemnify and hold harmless any third
ity who accepts and acts under this document.
~Agents shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for any
ivices rovided as my Agents. My Agents shall be entitled
mburse~ent of all reasonable expenses incurred in connec.ti0n
h this Power of Attorney.
Agents shall provide an accounting for all funds handled and
acts performed as my Agents, if I so request or if such a
uest is made by any authorized personal representative or
uciary acting on my Dehalf.
the event that either one of my agents would be unable to, or
see to serve as my agent, then in that event I hereby appoint
authorize my remaining agent to act as my sole agent in the
.ling of my affairs.
Power of Attorney shall become effective inunediately, and
.1 not be affected by my disability or lack of mental
,etence, except as may be provided otherwise by an applicable
.e statute. This 'is a Durable Power of Attorney. This Power
~ttorney shall continue effective until my death. This Power
~ttorney may'be revoked by me at any time by providing
.ten notice to my Agents.
~d ~D~¢V ~ _, 19 ~ , at Wormleysburg, ~
sylvania.
~CHARD B. WA
A/~O H. Warm, Natmy Publ2¢ j
,.~mlueha~... Twp,, Dauphln c~o~.m~ |
, personally ~ppeared RICRARD B.
known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person
name is subscribed to the within instrument and
~owledged that he/she executed the same as for the purposes
in contained. ~,
~tness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seaL.
Notary Public ,
EXHIBIT B
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
DEPT. 280601
HARRISBURG, PA 17128-0601
UJ
Z
O
O
REV-15'O0
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
DECEDENTS ~ {LAST, RRST, AND MIDDLE INnIAL) use a blew4 I~:k t~;Separ~te WO~
K "IN T E R E LV A V..
SOCIAL SECUR~PI NUMBER DATE OF DEATH DATE OF BIRTH
(IF APPUG,I~LE) SURViViNG SPOUSE'S NAME (L~T, FIRST, AND MIDDLE INITIAL)
N/A
SOPJAL SEOURrTY NUMBER.
[] 1. Odginal Return
[] 4. Limited Estate
~ 6. Decedent Died Testate (ah ~opy or~)
[] 9. Litigation Proceeds Received
[] 2. Supplemental Return
[] 4a. Futura Interest Compromise fdatad~eati~ater 12.12-S2)
[] 7. Decedent Maintained a Living Trust (~u~h~opyof'fmst)
[] 10. Spousal Poverty Cmdlt (~. o~ aath be,~n 12-31-91 and 1-t-95)
THIS RETURN MUST BE FILED IN DUPUCATE WITH THE
REGISTER OF WILLS
[] 3. Remainder Retumic~ea~eah~iort~ 12-13-82)
[] 5. Federal Estate Tax Return Required
]- 6. Total Number of Safe Deposit Boxes
[] 11. Eleclion to tax under Sec. 9113(A) (~.h Sc, O)
.' THIS SECTION .MUST :BE COMP, LiETEDiaM.~'{CORRESRONDENCE,,~AND;C:DNFIDEN~I~E:T'A~f"INFORMATION 'SHOULD. BE DIRECTED TO:
NAME
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
RRM NN~E Cf Appl~able)
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
m~-P~o:~?~.~ 232-5551
1, Real Estate (Schedule A) (1)
2. Stoclcs and Bonds (Schedule BI (2)
3. Closely Held Corporation.Partnemhip or Sole-Proprietorship (31
4. Mortgages & Notes Receivable (Schedule D) (4)
5. Cash. Bank Deposits & Miscellaneous Personal Property
(Schedule E) (5}
C~PLETE ~UNG ~DRESS
407 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
5- 7:.. 7.. i
, =-.-
_
8.8 0
6. Jointly Owned Property (Schedule F) (6)
7. Inter-Vivos Transfers & Miscellaneous Non-Probate Property
(Schedule G or L) {7} -. .... ~
8. Total Gross Assets (total Lines %7)
9, Funeral Expenses & Administrative Costs (Schedule H)
10. Debts of Decedent Mortgage Liabilities, & Liens (Schedule I)
11. Total Deductions (total Lines 9 & 10)
12. Net Value of Estate (Line 8 minus Line 11)
13, Charitable and Governmental Bequesls/Sec 9113 Trusts for which an election to tax has not been
made (Schedule J)
14. Net Value Subject to Tax (Line 12 minus Line 13)
5.0 1
(11) 2 9 0 3 6 8 6
(12) , 3 1 7 , 2 6 8. 1 5
(13)
, ,5 0 0 .0 0
(14) , 3 1 6 .,7 6 8 . 1 5
15, Amount of line 14'taxable -~
at the spousal tex rate ~ ., .~ .: ............ , ....... X :0 (15)
See instructions on reverse side for applicable perc~ntege ....
16. Amount of line 14 taxable
at 6% rate ~ ~ x .06 (16)
17. Amount of line 14 taxable
at 15"/. rate ~ 3 1 6 ~ 7 6 8 · 1 5 x .15 (17)
18. Ta~ Due (18)
7,5 1 5.2 2
7,5 1 5.2 2
> > BE SURE TO.ANSWER.AU;..QUESTIONSON'REVERSE SIDE AND RECHECK MATH < <
Under penalties of perjury. I declare that } have examined this tatum, including accompanying achedutas end staternant~, and to the best of my knowlertge and belief, it is tree, correct an{3 complete, Declaration of preparer olher
Ihan the personal representative is based an all informatton of which preparer has an,/knowledoe.
SIGNA.T.U~E OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR FILING RETURN ADDRESS
'
' "
S~T~RE OF PREPARER ~ER THAN ~PRESE~ATIVE ~DRES8 ....
DATE
Dbcedent's Complete Address:
ISTREETADDRES$ ~'[~LrCh Of C~Dd HOPF~
801 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
CITY STATE ZiP
Tax Payments and Credits:
1. Tax Due (Page 1 Line 18) (1) $47,515,23
2. Credits/Payments
A. Spousal Poverty Credit
B. Prior Payments
C. Discount $2,375.76 ....
Total Credits ( A + B + C ) (2) ·
2
375,
76
3, Interest/Penalty if applicable
D. Interest
E. Penalty
Total Interest/Penalty ( D + E ) (3)
4. If line 2 is greater than line 1 + line 3, enter the difference. This is the OVERPAYMENT.
Check box on Page I Line '!9 to request a refund (4)
5. If line 1 + line 3 is greater than line 2, enter the difference. This is the TAX DUE. (5) 45,13 9.46
A. Enter the interest on the tax due. (SA)
45,139.46
B. Enter the total of Line 5 + 5A. This is the ESALANCE DUE, (5B)
Make Check Payable to: REGISTER OF WILLS, AGENT '
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
BY PLACING AN "X" IN THE APPROPRIATE BLOCKS
1. Did decedent make a transfer and: Yes No
&. retain the use or income of the property transferred; ............................................................. []
b. retain the right to deaignate who shall use the property, transferred .or its income; ................ []
c. retain a reversionary interest; or ............................................................................................. []
d. receive the promise for life of either payments, benefits or care? ................................... : ..... [] []
2. tf death occurred on or before December 12, 1982, did decedent within two years
preceding death transfer property without receiving adequate consideration? If death occurred
after December 12, 1982, did decedent transfer property within one year of death without
receiving adequate consideration'?. .............................................................................................. [] []
3. Did decedent own an "in trust for" or payable upon death bank account or secudty
at his or her death? ...................................................................................................................... []
4. Did decedent own an individual retirement account, annuity, or other non-probate property? .... []
IF THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS IS YES,
YOU MUST COMPLETE SCHEDULE G AND FiLE iT AS PART OF THE RETURN
72 P.S. §9116 (a) (1.1) (i) provided for the reduction of the tax rate imposed on the net value of transfers to or for the use of the
surviving spouse from 6% to 3% for dates of death on or after July 1, 1994 and before January 1, 1995.
72 P.S. §9116 (a) (1.1) (ii) provided for the reduction of the rate imposed on the net value of transfers to or for the use of the surviving
spouse from 3% to 0% for dates of death on or after January 1, 1995. The statute does not exempt a transfer to a surviving spouse
from tax, and the statutory requirements for disclosure of assets and filing a tax return are still applicable even if the surviving spouse
is the only beneficiary.
FOP, DATES OF DEATH ON OR AFTER JANUARY '1, 1995 - Please answer the following question by placing an "x" in the
appropriate space.
Did ~e decedent create a trust or similar arrar~gement which is solely for the surviving spouse's benefit for his or her entire
lifetime? Yes [] No
If you answered yes to the above question, the tax on the trust or similar arrangement is postponed until the death of the second
spouse, at which time it will be fully taxable at the rate(s) applicable to the remainder beneficiary(les). Enter the value of the trust on
Schedule J, Part II, in order to remove it from the calculation of the tax due in this estate. You may wish to file Schedule O in order to
make the election available under Section 9113. Ii: the election is made, the trust or similar arrangement is taxed in the estate of the
first decedent spouse, the portion of the trust or similar arrangement which benefits the surviving spouse is taxed at the zero tax rate,
and the remainder is taxed at the rate(s) applicable to the remainder beneficiary(les). If you choose to make the election, you must
attach Schedule 0 to a timely-filed tax return, along with Schedule(s) K and/or M in order to show the apportionment of the trust or
similar arrangement between the surviving spouse and the remainder beneficiary(les).
SCHEDULE J
BENEFICIAE~E$
ESTATE OF RLE NUMBER
ELVA V. KINTER 21-99-1109
ITEM AMOUNT OR
NUMBER NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIARY RELATIONSHIP SHARE OF ESTATE
A. Taxabie Bequests:
1. Dorothy Ward, 1851 Ward Lane Sister-in-Law $2,500.00
~chanicsburg, PA 17055
2. Margaret Lutz, Box 321, Lot 7043, Leiby Trailer Sister 2,500.00
Carlisle, PA 17013
3. Thomas J. Ward, 708 Carol Street Brother 40,000.00
New Cumberland, PA 17070
4. iRichard B. Ward, 1844 Sheepford Road Brother RESIDUE
,M~chanicsburg, PA 17055
ITEM AMOUNT OR
NUMBER NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIARY SHARE OF ESTATE
B. Charitable and Governmenta Bequests:
Eberly' s Mill Church of God
115 Creek Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
TOTAL CHARITABLE AND GOVERNMENTAL BEQUESTS (Also enter on line 13, Recapitulation) S 500.00
Jif more space is needed, insert additional sheets of same size)
$500.00
SCHEDULE B
STOCKS & BONDS
FILE NUMBER
21-99-1109
Alt property jointly-owned with right of survivorship must be disclosed on Schedule F,
ITEM
NUMBER
3
4.
b
10.
11.
DESCRIPTION
NCR Corporation-con, on stock
29.625 shares @ $33.00 per share
AT&T - common stock
711 shares @ $46.75 per share
Air Touch Connunications - cormon stock
188 shares (Air Touch ~cations was acq~red by Vodafone
on 6/29/99. Decedent's shares had not been exchanged as of
the date of her Neath on 10/31./99. The unexchanged stock is
valued using the Vodafone share price on the date of death
times tb~ acquisition formula which was .50 shares of Vodafone
for each share of Air Touch,. plus $9.00 cash per share.
Calculation: (188 sha~es x .50 x 43.8985) + $9.00
Ameritech- co~,~on stock
560 shares (Ameritech was ac~3~red by SBC on 10/8/99. Decedent'
shares had not been exchanged as of %he date of her death on
10/3Y99. The unexchamged stock is valued using the SBC
share price on the date of death times the acquisition formnla
which was 1.316 shares of SBC for each share of Ameritech.
Calculation: (560 shares x 1.316 x $53.00)
Bell Atlantic Corp. - cozu,~on stock
664 shares @ $64.938 per share
BellSouth Corporation - conn~n stock
844 shares @ $45.00 per share
Lucent Technologies, Inc. - con, on stock
612 shares @ $64.5397 per share
MediaOne Group, Inc. - con, non stock
188 shares @ $71.1250 per share
Pacific Telesis Group - conmon stock
376 shares (Pacific Telesis Group was ac~red by SBC)
Calculation (376 shares x .73145 x $53.00)
Southwestern Bell Corp. con, on stodi (SBC)
564 shares @ $53.00
USWest, Inc. - conmon stock
193 shares @ $61.06 per share
TOTAL (Also enter on line 2, Recapitulation) $
VALUE AT DATE
OF DEATH
977.63
33,239.25
5,818.46
39,058.88
43,118.83
37,980.00
39,498.30
13,371.50
14,576.34
29,892.00
11,784.58
269,315.77
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
iNHERiTANCE TAX RETLIPJ,~
RESIDENT DECSDENT
ESTATE OF
SCHEDULE E
CASH, BANK DEPOSITS, & MISC.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
FILE NUMBER
21-99-1109
include the proceeds of litigation and the date the proceeds were received by the estate. All property jointly.owned with the right of survivorship must be disclosed on Schedule F.
ITEM
NUMBER
2.
3.
4.
DESCRIPTION
Allfirst Bank, Checking Account No. 00514-2020-1
Balance 11/03/99
Musselman' s Funeral Home, Lemoyne, PA
Prepaid Funeral Plan
Chum-ch of God Homa, 801 N. Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA
Refund of Security Deposit a~d Unused Funds
Lucent Technologies - Dividend Check 6/98 - Reissued
17013
TOTAL (Also enter on line 5, Recapitulation)
VALUE AT DATE
OF DEATH
$1,440.00
6,600.00
3,856.56
12.24
11,908.80
(if more space is needed, inset1 additional sheets of the same size)
ESTATE OF '~,~A V. K~
:ILE NUMBER
21-99-1109
If an asset was made joint wfthin one year of the decedent's date of death, it must be reported on Schedule G.
ADDRESS
SURVIVING JOINT TENANT(S) NAME
X. Richard B. Ward
1844 SheepfordRoad, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
RE~TIONSHIPTODECEDEt
Brother
JOINTLY-OWNED PROPERTY:
Il'EM
NUMBER
1.
Include nafne of tinandal institution and banl~ account number nr sirnilar idenffying number. Attach
deed tot ~oifltiy-held reaJ estate,
Certificate of Deposit 98010060068-6
Allfirst Bank, fka Dauphin Deposit Bar~.
and Trust Company
8 Certificate of Deposit ~8t41048171
Ailfirst Bank, fka Dauphin Deposit Bank
and Trust Company
Certificate of Deposit ~2474120651078402
First Union Bank
Certificate of Deposit ~247412045944213
First Union Bank
DATE OF D~
DATE OF DEATH VALUE OF
VALUE OF ASSET DECEDENTS INl
$24,450.61 $12,225.2
66,132.35 33,066-~
18,320.07 9,160.1
21,257.82 10,628'
TOTAL (Also enter on tine 6, Recapitulation) $ 65,080.4z~
REV.1511EX * ('r,97} · ~
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANL~,
INHERITANCE TAX RETURN
RESIDENT DECEDENT
ESTAT~ OF
SCHEDULE H
FUNERAL EXPENSES &
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
FILE NUMBER
21-99-1109
Debts of decedent must be reported on Schedule L
ITEM
NUMBER DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
9.
10.
FUNERAL EXPENSES:
Musse!man ' s Fundera! I-]oma, :(Prepaid)
JaK~s ~bss, Pastor - Clergy Services
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS:
Personal ReprasantatJve's Commissions
Name of Personal Representative (s) P..i.char~ ]3. Wa.rd
Social Secudty Number(s) / EIN Number of Personal Representative(s)
StmetAddress 1844 Sheepford Road
cb Mschanicsburg state PA
Year(s) Commission Paid:
Af~mey Fees JaT~RS P. Sheppard, Esquire
Family Exemption: (1~ decedenfs address is not lhe same as claimants, attach explanation)
Claimant N/A
1%0 55
Street Add~
City State Zip
Relationship of Claimant to Decedent
PmbateFees Petition, Ts~x Return Filing Fee, Short Certificates,
Extra pages, JCP fee
A~tanfsFees 1999 Federal~ State, Local Returns Preparation ~.Reser
2000 Fiduciary Return (Reserved)
Tax Return Preparers Fees
Bank Stop Payment Pee (Al!first Bank - 11/4/99)
Bank account debit 11/99 Social Security Deposit - AllfLrst
Bank (12/7/99).
The Patriot News Co. - Estate Notice - Public Advertisement
(1/3/00)
Cumb=_rland County Law Journal - Legal Advertisemant
TOTAL (Also enter on line 9, Recapitulation)
$..,6,600.00
250.00
10,293.07
10,293.07
404.00
250.00
100.00
25.00
575.00
186.72
60.00
$ 29,036.86
(If more space is needed, insert additional sheets of the same size)
EXHIBIT C
21-99-1109
LAST WZLL AAYD TESTA~IENT OF ELVA V. I.~NTER
I, ELVA ¥. ]fINTER, of the Township of Lower Allen,
County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania, being of
sound and' disposing mind, memory and understanding, do make,
publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament, hereby
revoking .and making void any and all prior Wills by me at any
time heretofore r~ade.
I direct the'payr~ent of all my just debts and funeral
expenses as soon after my decease as the same can be convenient!st
done, and in this respect, I direct that all estate, inheritance
and succession taxes that may be assessed~in consequence of my
death, of whatever nature and by whatever jurisdiction imposed,
shall be paid out of the principal of my general estate to the
same effect as if said taxes were expenses of administration,
and that al! property includable in my ts_xable estate, 'whether
or not passing %ruder this .%fill, Shall be free and cles~ thereof.
i give and bequeath the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00)
Dollars to the Eberly'~'s' Mill Chumch of God.
-1-
Z give and bequeath the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundmed.~
($2,500.00) Dollars to my sister MARGARET .LUTZ~ if she survives
give and bequeath the su~ of Two Thousand Five Hundred
($2,~00.00) Dollars to my sister-in-law, DOROTHY. WARD, if she
SIL~v±ve S me ..........
I give, devise and bequeath my personal residence, which
consists of a house and lot oF ground located in Lower Allen
Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, presently kno~-~n and
nu~bered as 820 Rupp Avenue, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to my
brother, RICHARD B. WARD and to my brother, TH0I~AS J.
stis~e aud shs~e alike.
I give, devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and
remainder of my estate, of whatsoever nature and ~¢heresoever
the same may be situate, bo my brother, RICHARD B. WARD,
absolutely and unoonditionally.
-2-
LASTLT, i nominate, constitute aud appoint my b~other,
RICHARD B. -~ARD, Executor of this my Last Will and Testament,
and direct that he be e~cused. From posting bond or other secur:
for the ~aitb~ performance of his duties in any jurisdiction.
IN WIT2~SS WPIEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this /'~ day of March, A. D., 1996.
Elva V. Kinter
Signed, sealed, published and ~eclsred by the above
named, ELVA V. !CII'.~ER, as and for her Last Will and Testament,
in the presence of us, who have subscribed our names hereto as
witnesses, at the request of said testatrix, in her presence ar.
in the presence of each other.
Estate of
No. '21-99-1109
ELVAV. KINTER
, Deceased
DECREE OF PROBATE AND GRANT OF LETTERS
AND NOW November 12th, 19 -99 , in consideration of the petition on
the reverse side hereof, satisfactory proof having been presented before me,
IT IS DECREED that the instnnment(s) dated MARCH 14th, 19.96
· described therein be admitted to probate and ffl~i of r~cord as the last will of
E~rA V. KINT~R ,;
and.~etters TESTAMENTARY
are hereby grante~d to ' RICHARD B. WARD
Filed
270.00
6.00
FEES
Probate, Letters, Rte .......... $
Short Cm~dficat ~('~.0 ..........
Renunciation ................ $
x-PAGES (3) $ 9.00
JCP 5.00
TOTAL $
· ~ .ov.~...b~x...!~. ,..~?R~...'. :s.29p...q0...
Re/~i~er of W'fli~ ' ~ C. LEWTS
M_AILED LESTERS
AND ORDER TO ATTORNEY
JAMES P.
SHEPPARD L,:" ,. ·
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA) :
IRENE E. SIMPSON, :
:
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a CLIFFORD :
A. WARD, SR.,
..
Respondent :
I
CI~_~dlATION TO SHOW CAUS__E_E
AND NOW, this y of
_, 2004, upon consideration of the
Foregoing Petition, a Citation is hereby entered against Respondent to show cause why an
Inventory and Accounting should not be filed for his actions completed under the Power of
Attorney from inception until the date hereof in a form that satisfies the requirements of the
Probate Code and the Fiduciary Accounting standards in the form as presented in Cumberland
County O.C. Rule 6.1; why Respondent should not dispose of any assets, and why he should not
account for any and all assets that he has procured or are in his possession belonging to
Principal's estate whether via alleged git~ or other forms; why Respondent should not produce the
entire file and any copies of al/documents in his possession relating to Principal's estate, not
limited to all prior tax returns, any and all certificates of deposits, all bank and checking records,
all brokerage accounts, deeds and mortgages associated therewith and other ancillary financial
information without limitation intended; and such other relief as this Court deems proper.
Rule returnable in writing twenty (20) days from the date of service.
BY THE COURT:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
IN RE:
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA)
IRENE E. SIMPSON,
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a CLIFFORD
A. WARD, SR.,
Respondent
No.
AND NOW, this
CITATION TO SHOW CAUSE
2004, upon consideration of the
Foregoing Petition, a Citation is hereby entered against Respondent to show cause why an
Inventory and Accounting should not be filed for his actions completed under the Power of
Attorney from inception until the date hereof in a form that satisfies the requirements of the
Probate Code and the Fiduciary Accounting standards in the form as presented in Cumberland
County O.C. Rule 6.1; why Respondent should not dispose of any assets, and why he should not
account for any and all assets that he has procured or are in his possession belonging to
Principal's estate whether via alleged girl or other forms; why Respondent should not produce the
entire file and any copies of all documents in his possession relating to Principal's estate, not
limited to all prior tax returns, any and all certificates of deposits, all bank and checking records,
all brokerage accounts, deeds and mortgages associated therewith and other ancillary financial
information without limitation intended; and such other relief as this Court deems proper.
Rule returnable in writing twenty (20) days from the date of service.
BY THE COURT:
1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
IN RE: :
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA) :
IRENE E. SIMPSON, :
Petitioner :
:
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a :
CLIFFORD A. WARD, SR., :
Respondent :
No. 21o04-509
PETITION FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
I
AND NOW, comes the Petitioner, Irene E. Simpson, by and through her attomeys, Neil
W. Yarn, Esquire and James, Smith, Dietterick & Connelly, LLP, and petitions this Honorable
Court for a status conference pursuant to the following:
PARTIES
1. Petitioner, Irene E. Simpson, is an adult individual residing at 2118 Princeton
Avenue, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 and is the adopted daughter of Richard B. Ward
(hereinafter "Principa£').
2. Respondent, Clifford Allan Ward a/k/a Clifford A. Ward, Sr., (hereinal°ter
"Respondent"), is an adult individual residing at 460 East Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg, York
County, Pennsylvania 17019 and is the son of Richard B. Ward and the brother of the
Petitioner.
3. Richard B. Ward (hereinafter "Principa£'), is an adult individual residing at 1844
Sheepford Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055 and is the father of
Petitioner and Respondent.
4. Principal, Richard B. Ward, executed a Power of Attorney naming Petitioner and
Respondent as co-agents on October 27, 1997 (hereinafter Petitioner and Respondent may also
be collectively called "Co-Agent(s)").
5. Principal recently inherited significant monies from his sister, Elva Kinter
(hereinafter "Kinter') and the whereabouts of a certain portion of said assets (namely the stocks
and certificates of deposit) are unaccounted for as of the date hereof.
6. Principal was named as the Executor of Kinter's assets; however, the Principal
deferred to the Respondent to administer the assets from the estate (as proof thereof, we have
attached as Exhibit "A" a handwritten summary of Kinter's assets of which it is averred the
Respondent's Wife completed).
7. Principal recently amended his Will at the allegation directed of Respondent,
significantly altering certain pre-residuary and residuary gifts including leaving all stocks to
certain individuals.
8. Principal owns several rental units/homes and a portion of the proceeds from the
rent thereon remains unaccounted for as of the date hereof.
9. The Principal, Petitioner and other potential beneficiaries of Principal's estate will
be prejudiced if Respondent does not produce the records, file an inventory and provide an
Accounting as per 20 Pa. Cons. Stat § 5610.
10. On May 28, 2004, Petitioner filed a Petition for Citation to Show Cause why an
Inventory and Accounting should not be filed as per 20 Pa. Cons. Stat § 5610 by Respondent
while acting as Co-Agent. To date, the parties have attempted to resolve this matter informally
without success and therefore, believe this conference may assist the parties in reaching a
resolution.
11. Petitioner further believes that a stares conference may provide the opportunity
for the parties to identify additional issues for the Court and facilitate resolution thereof to this
matter.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that a stares conference be scheduled in
the above-captioned matter.
Dated: September Z, 2004
By:
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES, SMITH, DIETTERICK
(717) 533-3280
Attomeys for Petitioner
VERIFICATION
I, Neil W. Yahn, represent that I am the attorney for Petitioner, Irene Simpson, and
verify that the statements made in the foregoing Petition for Status Conference are tree and
correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. Section 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
EXHIBIT A
I~ ~22
~?o .06~
i
w. .~.LF&~
I ~ , Off')-
27,
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, NEIL W. YAHN, ESQUIRE, do hereby certify that I served a tme and correct copy of the
foregoing Petition for Stares Conference upon the following below-named individual(s) by
depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid at Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
this __ day of September, 2004.
SERVED UPON:
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
2201 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire
127 South Market Street
P.O. Box 95
Mechanicsburg, PA~055
AttorneY' I.D~8
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
ESTATE OF R/CHARD B. WARD (POA) :
:
IRENE E. SIMPSON, :
Petitioner :
:
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a :
CLIFFORD A. WARD, SR., :
Respondent :
No. 21-04-509
PETITION FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
AND NOW, comes the Petitioner, Irene E. Simpson, by and through her attomeys, Neil
W. Yahn, Esquire and James, Smith, Dietterick & Connelly, LLP, and petitions this Honorable
Court for a stares conference pursuant to the following:
PARTIES
1. Petitioner, Irene E. Simpson, is an adult individual residing at 2118 Princeton
Avenue, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 and is the adopted daughter of Richard B. Ward
(hereinafter "Principa£').
2. Respondent, Clifford Allan Ward a/k/a Clifford A. Ward, Sr., (hereinafter
"Responden£'), is an adult individual residing at 460 East Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg, York
County, Pennsylvania 17019 and is the son of Richard B. Ward and the brother of the
Petitioner.
3. Richard B. Ward (hereinafter "Principal"), is an adult individual residing at 1844
Sheepford Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055 and is the father of
Petitioner and Respondent.
4. Principal, Richard B. Ward, executed a Power of Attorney naming Petitioner and
Respondent as co-agents on October 27, 1997 (hereinafter Petitioner and Respondent may also
be collectively called "Co-Agent(s)").
5. Principal recently inherited significant monies from his sister, Elva Kinter
(hereinafter "irinter") and the whereabouts of a certain portion of said assets (namely the stocks
and certificates of deposit) are unaccounted for as of the date hereof.
6. Principal was named as the Executor of Kinter's assets; however, the Principal
deferred to the Respondent to administer the assets from the estate (as proof thereof, we have
attached as Exhibit "A" a handwritten summary of Kinter's assets of which it is averred the
Respondent's Wife completed).
7. Principal recently amended his Will at the allegation directed of Respondent,
significantly altering certain pre-residuary and residuary gifts including leaving all stocks to
certain individuals.
8. Principal owns several rental units/homes and a portion of the proceeds from the
rent thereon remains unaccounted for as of the date hereof.
9. The Principal, Petitioner and other potential beneficiaries of Principal's estate will
be prejudiced if Respondent does not produce the records, file an inventory and provide an
Accounting as per 20 Pa. Cons. Stat § 5610.
10. On May 28, 2004, Petitioner filed a Petition for Citation to Show Cause why an
Inventory and Accounting should not be filed as per 20 Pa. Cons. Stat § 5610 by Respondent
while acting as Co-Agent. To date, the parties have attempted to resolve this matter informally
without success and therefore, believe this conference may assist the parties in reaching a
resolution.
11. Petitioner further believes that a stares conference may provide the opportunity
for the parties to identify additional issues for the Court and facilitate resolution thereof to this
matter.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that a stares conference be scheduled in
the above-captioned matter.
Dated: September ,Z_, 2004
By:
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES, SMITH, DIETTERICK
& ~CONNELLY, LLP
(717) 533-3280
Attorneys for Petitioner
VERIFICATION
I, Neil W. Yahn, represent that I am the attorney for Petitioner, Irene Simpson, and
verify that the statements made in the foregoing Petition for Status Conference are mae and
correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. Section 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
Date: ,~ {~ /c~,~ ,i . ...... .}' ~
Neil W. Y~i
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
., ! ;
'7qO . 0~
~74 -
27
.!
6 zx4 .__az___,_ ?
CERTI17ICATE OF SERVICE
I, NEIL W. YAHN, ESQUIRE, do hereby certify that I served a tree and correct copy of the
foregoing Petition for Status Conference upon the following below-named individual(s) by
depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid at Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
this~ day of Septernber, 2004.
SERVED UPON:
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
2201 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire
127 South Market Street
P.O. Box 95
Mechanicsburg, PA~5
NEIL W. YAHN, ]
Attorney I.D;~ #822
SQUIRE
WE HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE W[TH]N,,e~l A
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA) :
IRENE E. SIMPSON,
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/Ida
CLIFFORD A. WARD, SR.,
Respondent
No. 21-04-509
ORDER
AND NOW, this (~ g~day of September, 2004, a stares conference in the above-
captioned matter is hereby scheduled for>~f~ R~-~4_.) // ,2004, at
mM. in C/'Ta'-bO7 ~t~-'70fy/4 ~ of the Cumberland
County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
By the Court:
J.
IN RE: ESTATE OF
RICHARD B. WARD, POA
IRENE E. SIMPSON,
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/k/a
CLIFFORD A. WARD, SR.
Respondent
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
: NO. 21-04-0509
RESPONDENT'S ANSWER AND NEW MATTER TO
CITATION ISSUED JUNE 23, 2004
Respondent, Clifford A. Ward, by and through counsel of
Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire, hereby files this Answer and New Matter
to the Citation issued on June 23, 2004, and respectfully states
as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Petitioner's
Admitted upon information and belief.
Admitted.
Admitted.
The allegations of Paragraph 4 as
set forth in'he ~
Petition for Citation to Show Cause WhY a~ Inventory
and Accounting should not be filed are conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the
allegations fail to set forth sufficient allegations warranting
the relief sought by Petitioner and warranting exercise of this
Court's jurisdiction.
5. Admitted.
6. The allegations of Paragraph 6 as set forth in the
Petitioner's Petition for Citation to Show Cause Why and Inventory
and Accounting should not be filed are conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the
allegations set forth in the underlying Petition fail to set forth
sufficient allegations demonstrating any harm or detriment to the
Principal or the Principal's Estate by action or inaction of the
Respondent which would normally grant standing to Petitioner to
pursue the instant action. By way of further response, Petitioner
has failed to allege facts even remotely alleging financial or
other detriment to the Principal's estate or the Principal by
action of the Respondent.
7. Admitted. By way of further response, Respondent
believes that the principal, Richard B. Ward, was fully competent,
of sound mind and understanding at all relevant times during and
after execution of the Power of Attorney document.
8. Denied, and strict proof thereof demanded at hearing or
otherwise. To the contrary, the allegations of the underlying
petition are vague and do not support the requested relief as
sought by Petitioner where Petitioner has failed to allege any
detriment to the Principal or his estate and where the Petition
fails to contain no averments demonstrating specific instances as
to where and when Respondent was not cautious or prudent
concerning the Principal or the Principal's estate.
9. Admitted in Part/Denied in part. It is admitted that
Respondent is aware that the Principal changed his Last Will and
Testament. It is denied that Principal changed his Last Will and
Testament at the direction of Respondent thereby altering
preresiduary and residuary gifts and strict proof thereof demanded
at hearing or otherwise.
10. Admitted with clarification. Respondent is aware that
the Principal was a beneficiary of the last will and Testament of
Elva V. Kinter who died in 1999. By way of further answer,
Respondent believes that Principal inherited cash and in-kind
distributions from the Estate of Elva V. Kinter having values
close to the amounts alleged in the Petition. Respondent is
without sufficient information to form an opinion as to the
remaining allegations set forth in paragraph 10, and accordingly,
such allegations are denied and strict proof demanded thereof at
hearing or otherwise.
11. Admitted in Part/Denied in Part. It is admitted that
the Principal was named and appointed as the Executor of the
Estate. It is specifically denied that Respondent administered
the Estate or Estate assets for the benefit of the Principal or
otherwise. By way of further Answer, Respondent believes the
Principal secured legal counsel to settle and resolve estate
administration matters, including asset distribution.
12. Admitted in Part/Denied in Part. It is admitted that
the Principal owns several rental units/homes from which the
Principal derives income. Respondent is without sufficient
information to form an opinion as to the veracity as to the
remaining allegations as set forth in paragraph 12 of Petitioner's
Petition, and therefore such allegations are denied with strict
proof thereof demanded at hearing or otherwise.
13. Admitted in part/Denied in Part. Respondent believes
and therefore admits that James P. Sheppard, Attorney at Law, has
provided legal representation for the benefit of the Principal for
a period in excess of seven (7) years. Respondent is without
sufficient information to form an opinion as to the veracity as to
the remaining allegations as set forth in paragraph 13 of
Petitioner's Petition, and therefore such allegations are denied
with strict proof thereof demanded at hearing or otherwise.
14. Denied. To the contrary, Respondent and his wife
recently borrowed money (incurred debt) to make improvements to
their home. Respondent is without sufficient information to form
an opinion as to the veracity as to the remaining allegations as
set forth in paragraph 14 of Petitioner's Petition, and therefore
such allegations are denied with strict proof thereof demanded at
hearing or otherwise.
15. The allegations of Paragraph 15 as set forth in the
Petitioner's Petition for Citation to Show Cause Why and Inventory
and Accounting should not be filed are conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the
allegations set forth in the underlying Petition fail to set forth
sufficient allegations demonstrating any harm or prejudice to the
Principal or the Principal's Estate by action or inaction of the
Respondent. By way of further response, all relevant records and
financial information relating to the Principal and the
Principal's estate have been and remain in the possession of the
Petitioner or the Principal.
16. The averments of fact set forth in paragraph 16 the
Petitioner's Petition for Citation to Show Cause Why an Inventory
and Accounting should not be filed do not require an affirmative
or negative answer or reply. To the extent a response is
required, it is admitted that an accounting is required to be
filed by the Petitioner, and further, that such Accounting should
have been filed with the petition so as to properly frame the
issues in dispute for the benefit of the Court in support of the
blanket allegations as contained in the Petition.
WHEREFORE, Respondent respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court dismiss the underlying Petition and Citation
issued thereon, or in the alternative, direct that Petitioner to
file an accounting, at her sole cost and expense, with the Court
and to amend her Petition so as to set forth sufficient facts
warranting jurisdiction and relief from this Honorable Court.
NEW MATTER
17. The allegations contained in paragraphs 1 16 are
incorporated herein as if set forth at length.
18. The Petition and Citation referenced herein were served
upon Respondent and Respondent's Counsel by regular mail on or
about September 15, 2004.
19. At all relevant times herein, the Principal, Richard B.
Ward, was and remains fully competent to execute legal documents
and to administer to his person,
liabilities of his Estate.
20. At all relevant times
as well as the assets and
herein, the Principal Richard B.
Ward was and continues to reside alone at his residence on a day
to day basis without significant assistance from Petitioner or
Respondent.
21. At all relevant times herein, including prior to filing
the underlying petition, Petitioner has been in control of or had
direct access to any and all financial information sought in the
underlying Petition, without interference or obstruction by
Respondent.
22. Respondent is not in possession or control of the
financial records or information sought by Plaintiff in the
Petition, said information and financial records remaining in the
possession or control of the Petitioner or the Principal.
23. Prior to serving the instant citation on Respondent,
Petitioner through her counsel was provided with significant and
relevant financial information by James P. Sheppard, Esquire,
concerning Estate administration performed by the Principal and
Estate assets acquired by the Principal.
24. Prior to serving the instant citation on Respondent,
Petitioner through her counsel was provided with a personal
interview with Respondent and his counsel, as well as Principal
and his counsel, concerning the financial affairs of the
Principal.
25. Respondent has repeatedly requested that Petitioner
provide detailed information as to what Petitioner is seeking in
the instant petition and Petitioner has refused to cooperate by
providing such information to Respondent.
26. Absent significant and meaningful allegations
demonstrating financial harm or detriment to the Principal's
estate or the Principal's person, the underlying action is without
merit and should be dismissed.
27. The allegations supporting the intent petition and
request for relief contained therein are vague and inspect thereby
warranting dismissal , with prejudice, of the underlying petition
and citation issued thereon.
28. The allegations contained in the Petitioner's Petition
for Citation to Show Cause Why and Inventory and Accounting should
not be filed do not rise to the level engaging this Court's
jurisdiction over the relief and demands sought by Petitioner.
29. The purpose and relief sought by the Petitioner's
Petition for Citation to Show Cause Why and Inventory and
Accounting serve no benefit to the Principal or the Principal's
Estate.
30. The Petitioner's Petition for Citation to Show Cause Why
and Inventory and Accounting serve no benefit to the Principal or
the Principal's Estate and Respondent's have been forced to engage
legal services to defend against unnecessary harassment initiated
by Petitioner.
31. The relief sought and requested by Petitioner is not
warranted where the Principal is competent and capable of managing
his own affairs.
32. Respondent has not disposed of any assets or incomes of
the Principal for the benefit of the Respondent or to the
detriment of the Principal or the Principal's Estate.
33. Respondent has not procured assets from the Principal or
the Principal's Estate for the benefit of Respondent or to the
detriment of the Principal or the Principal's Estate.
34. Respondent is unable to procure the documents requested
by Petitioner without the consent of the Principal or co-agent
Petitioner as the documents requested are in their possession and
not within the dominion and control of Respondent.
WHEREFORE, Respondent, Clifford A. Ward, respectfully
requests that this Honorable Court dismiss the underlying Petition
and Citation issued thereon, or in the alternative, direct that
Petitioner file an accounting with the Court, at her sole cost and
expense, and further direct Petitioner to amend her Petition so as
to set forth sufficient facts warranting jurisdiction and relief
from this Honorable Court.
october ~ ,
2004
ResDectfully submitted,
Andrew C. Shee~ Esquire
Attorney for Respondent,
Clifford A. Ward
127 South Market Street
P.O. Box 95
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-7050
(717) 697-7065 (fax)
8
VERIFICATION
I, Clifford A. Ward verify that the statements made in the
foregoing Answer and New Matter are true and correct to the best
of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
§4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: October/, 2004
Cli~4~r~ A. Ward
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire, hereby certify that I am this
day serving the foregoing Defendant's Preliminary Objections to
Plaintiff's Complaint upon the following named individual this day
by depositing same in the United States Mail, First Class, postage
prepaid, at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Neil Warner Yahn, Esquire
James Smith Dietterick & Connelly,
P.O. Box 650
Hershey, PA 17033
LLP
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
2201 N. Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Date: October 4, 2004
Andrew C
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
INRE:
ESTATE OF RICHARD B. WARD (POA)
IRENE E. SIMPSON,
Petitioner
CLIFFORD ALLAN WARD a/kla
CLIFFORD A. WARD, SR.,
Respondent
No. 21-04-509
PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW
WITHOUT PREJUDICE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw the above-reference action without prejudice.
Dated: <!> /1-c, I-D
.
By:
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES, SMITH, DIETTERICK
& CONNELLY, LLP
Attorneys for Petitioner
" ,
i'
(~)
fo'
'-
/&'0
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, NEIL W. Y AHN, ESQUIRE, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the
U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid at Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania this~day of March,
2005.
SERVED UPON:
James P. Sheppard, Esquire
2201 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire
127 South Market Street
P.O. Box 95 _
Mechanicsburg, P 17055
)AMEs SMITH DlErrERICK & CONNElLY UP
Neil W. Yahn
Entail: :!1...Y.Wnuv.isdc.(:.QITl
FAX 717.533.7771
March 29, 2005
Office of the Register of Wills
Orphans' Court Division
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, P A 17013
Re: Estate of Richard B. Ward (POA)
Irene E. Simpson, Petitioner
Clifford A. Ward, Respondent
No. 21-04-509; Cumberland County
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed herewith please find our firm's check in the amount of$15.00 to cover the fee for
filing the enclosed Praecipe to withdraw the above-referenced action without prejudice.
Please return a time-stamped copy of the Praecipe to our office in the enclosed self-addressed
stamped envelope.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
JAMES, SMITH, DIETTERICK & CONNELLY, LLP
~ W. ~/mJ>-t
Neil WarnerYahn
NWY/mbl
Enclosure
cc: James P. Sheppard, Esquire
Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire
Stanley A. Smith, Esquire
Ms. Irene E. Simpson
I III ,11 I I (I',
JS.}(
PO BOX 650
HERSHEY. PA 17033
Courier Address
13-'1 ~;iPl:. AVENUE
HUM!v1CLSTOWN, PA 17036
TEL /17.533.3280
WWW.JSDC.COM
GARY L. JAMES
MAX J. SMITH, JR
JOHN J. CONNELLY, JR
SCOTT A. DIETTERICK
JAMES F. SPADE
MATTHEW CHABAL, III
GREGORY K, RICHARDS
SUSAN M. KADEL
JARAD W. HANDELMAN
DONNA M. MULLIN
EDWARD P. SEEBER
NEIL W. YAHN
COURTNEY L. KISHEL
KIMBERLY A. DEWITT
OF COUNSEL:
MANLEY OEAS &
KOCHALSKI, LLC
COLUMBUS, OH
BERNARD A. RYAN, JR.
HERSHEY, PA