HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-0873IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS COURT DIVISION
IN RE: THE TRUST OF
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED
:NO. -
PETITION OF ROBERT L. BURSON, BENEFICIARY AND .~ ~nC;SSOR TR
F' ... . . '=-'~ ,- USTFF
. OR R,~wOVAL OF JEAN BURSON AS TRU$¥EE, TO CC.'.'.."EL AN ACCOUNTIN,.':
AND TO COMPEL TURNOVER OF TRUST ASSET,~,
To the Honorable, the Judges of the Said Court:
The Petition of Robert L. Burson respectfully represents:
1. The Decedent, Mary C. Burson, died December 10, 2002 lea.~i~3,~ a Will (which has
never been probated) nder the terms of whmh she crea~ted the Ma~. Burson Tr~t;.The
trust has been amended twice, since its initial creation. Copies of the W~,~ the original
trust instrument and the two amendments are attached hereto, ~'espec_t~ely marked
Exhibits ,"" ,"" "an ," corporated herei by refere
"A B C d"D and in n n
2. Your Petitioner is a party in interest in that by the Will, Mary C. Burson transferred
all of her assets to the Mary C. Burson Trust, and directed that those assets be distributed
to your Petitioner, Robert L. Burson and his sister, the Trustee, Jean Burson, in equal
shares.
3. Laurence Lee Burson, who is named in one or more of the instruments as a
beneficiary was a brother of your Petitioner and Jean Burson; Laurence Lee Burson died
on June 14, 2001, leaving your Petitioner, Robert L. Burson and his sister, the Trustee,
Jean Burson, as the only two living beneficiaries under the Trust of Mary C. Burson.
4. Pursuant to the trust instruments, Jean Burson was appointed Trustee of the Trust
of Mary C. Burson and purportedly assumed those duties shortly after the death of Mary
C. Burson on December 10, 2002.
5. Despite repeated demands for an accounting and for his share of the trust estate,
Robert L. Burson has never received either an accounting or any disbursement from the
Trust of Mary C. Burson, contrary to the terms of the instruments themselves and contrary
to the duties imposed upon Jean Burson as Trustee pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S.A. {}7121 and
20 Pa.C.S.A. §3183, among other sections of the Probate, Estate and Fiduciaries Code.
6. Robert L. Burson (who resides at 23907 Mobile Street, West Hills, California)
believes and therefore avers that, given the absolute abdication of her duties, refusal to
cooperate and probable self-dealing by the Trustee, Jean Burson (who resides at 320 Pitt
Street, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania), it would be appropriate and indeed
necessary for the Court to issue a decree removing Jean Burson as Trustee, requiring her
to immediately account for all receipts and expenditures of the trust, turn over all trust
assets to Robert L. Burson and, if applicable, surcharge Jean Burson and her personal
assets for any self-dealing in which she has engaged.
WHEREFORE, your Petitioner prays this Honorable Court to award a Citation,
directed to Jean Burson, as permitted by Section 7121 of the Probate, Estate and
Fiduciaries Code (in turn incorporating the procedures set forth in Section 3183 of the
Probate, Estate and Fiduciaries Code) to show cause why she should not be removed from
her office as Trustee, compelled to account to Robert L. Burson for all trust receipts and
expenditures, be compelled to turn over of all trust assets to Robert L. Burson as
successor trustee named in the instruments, and be surcharged for any self-dealing in
which she may have engaged, and to provide any other relief the Court deems
appropriate.
(717) 238-3686
Supreme Court I.D. # 53729
3
Last Will & Testament Of
MARY C. BURSON
EXHIBIT "A"
Last Will & Testament
I, MARY C. BURSON, a resident of LAGUNA HILLS, California, hereby declare
this to be my Last Will and Testament, and I expressly revoke all Wills, including
codicils, which I have previously made.
ARTICLE 1
~/ I give the entire ,r, esidue of my estate to the trust~e,,e then in office under that
trust designated as The Trust of MARY C. BURSON, established December 19,
1995, of which I am the settlor and trustee. I direct that the residue of my estate
shalI be added to, administered, and distributed as part of that trust, according to
the terms of the trust and any amendment made to it before my death. To the
extent permitted by law, it is not my intent to create a separate trust by this will or
to subject the trust or the property added to it by this will to the jurisdiction of the
probate court.
ARTICLE 2
If the disposition in Article 1, above, is inoperative or is invalid for any reason, or
if the trust referred to in Article 1, above, fails or is revoked, I incorporate herein by
reference the terms of that trust, as executed on this date, without giving effect to
any amendments made subsequently, and I bequeath and devise the residue of my
estate to the trustee nsmed in the trust as trustee, to be held, administered, and
distributed as provided in said trust instrument.
ARTICLE 3
I hereby nominate LAURENCE L. BURSON to be the Executor of this Will. In
the event that LAURENCE L. BURSON is unable to serve or declines to serve as
the Executor of this Will, I hereby nominate ROBERT L. BURSON as First
Alternate Executor. In the event that ROBERT L. BURSON is unable to serve or
declines to serve as the Executor of this Will, I hereby nominate CATHERINE L.
BURSON as Second Alternate Executor.
The Executor shall have full power and authority to carry out the provisions of
thin Will, including the power to manage and operate during the probate of my
estate any property and any business belonging to my estate.
Page - 1
The Executor shall serve without bond.
MARY C. BURSoN
Page - 2
DECLARATION OF WITNESSES
On the date written below, MARY C. BURSON declared to us, the undersigned,
that thi.~ instv,ment, including the page signed by us as witnesses, was the Will of
MARY C. BURSON (hereafter "Testator") who requested us to act as witnesses to it.
Testator thereupon signed this Will in our presence, all of us being present at the
~me time. We now, at Testator's request, in Testator's presence and in the
presence of each other, subscribe our names as witnesses.
We declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct and
that thi~ declaration was executed on _/~.~ // ,19 ~ ~ , at
Z~,~.~.~, Y/~ C~ , C..~. ·
ess?i/ghature ~
Witness Name .(.Printed)
Witness Address
Witness Signgt~re ~ /
witness Na~e (Printed)
Witness Address-~
Page - 3
SELF-PROVED AFFIDAVIT
The State of Cslifornia ; County Of ORANGE
I, MARY C. BURSON (Testator), and ~t~e~ ~[o,~'~,'ou~¼ and
~'fi ~'o ~ n .~[. ~. hca- , ~itnesses), re~ectively, whose n~es ~e s~ed to the
attached'or fore~g inst~,ment, being ~st d~y sworn, do hereby decl~e to the
~dersi~ed authori~ that the testator si~ed ~d executed the ~st~ent ~ the
testator's l~t ~, that the testator si~ed it ~llingly or ~e~ed ~other to ~ it
for the testator, that it w~ executed ~ a free ~d vol~t~ act for the p~oses
there~ e~resse~ ~d that each of the ~tnesses, ~ the presence ~d he~g of
the testator, s~ed the ~ ~ ~tnesses, ~d that to the best of the~ ~owle~
the testator w~ at the t~e 18 or more ye~s of ~, of sold mind ~d ~der no
constrsint or ~due ~uence.
~Y ~:'~ON, Testator
.~,:~m ness S~t~e
Witneds si~e /
Page - 4
The Trust of
MARY C. BURSON
ARTICLE 1
~ ~' ~Declaration of Trust
Establishment o~ Revocable Living T~-ust: MARY C. BURSON establishes with this
instrument a re~0~cable li~vi~g t~ .' ' ,~MARY~ C. BURSON,, will transfer to the trustee
the property descn-q~u~cl~',~ the "Trust Estate as well as the property listed
herein on the "Schedule of Trust Assets." The term "settlor" refers to MARY C.
BURSON.
Date Established: For convenient reference and coordination with the last will and
testa~,,~~Y C. BUI~SON, the date of establishment of this revocable living
trust ~December 19, 199~)
Remainiler Beneficiaries: At the death of MARY C. BURSON, the trustee shall
distribute the trust estate to the following beneficiaries of"The Trust of MARY C.
BURSON": ~I~.RENCEI~BURSON; ROBERT L. BURSON; JEAN BURSON;
LAURA A. ENGEL; CATHERINE L. BURSON; ROBERT J. BURSON; ELIZABETH
A. BURSON; CYNTHIA BAUSMAN; BARRY A. BAUSMAN; and EDWARD G.
Property Status: Any property of MARY C. BURSON transferred to this trust may
be called the "trust estate of MARY C. BURSON."
Lifetime Beneficiary: The trustee shall hold, administer, and distribute all trust
property allocated to trust for the benefit of MARY C. BURSON, during the life of
MARY C. BURSON.
Trust Property - Income and Principal (Broad Standard): The trustee may utilize as
much of the net income of the trust estate as necessary for the beneficiary's health,
education, support, comfort, welfare, or happiness to maintain the beneficiary's
accustomed manner of living. Any net income not so distributed shall be added to
principal, if the trustee considers the income insufficient, the trustee may utilize
for the benefic~ary's benefit as much of the principal from the trust estate as
necessary for the beneficiary's health, education, support, comfort, welfare, or
happiness to maintain the beneficiary's accustomed manner of living.
Catastrophic Illness or Incapacity of MARY C. BURSON (Ascertainable Standard): If
a court declares MARY C. BURSON incompetent or if the trustee, after consultation
with medical professionals, considers MARY C. BURSON unable to manage his or
her own affairs by reason of physical or mental disability, then the trustees during
the life of MARY C. BURSON may pay to or for MARY C. BURSON as much of the
income and principal from the trust estate as is necessary for MARY C. BURSON's
health, education, or support to maintain MARY C. BURSON's accustomed manner
Page - 1
of living.
Payments: MARY C. BURSON may at any time act as the trustee to pay single s,,ms
or periodic payments out of the trust estate to any person or organization.
Additionally, the conservator of MARY C. BURSON upon appropriate court order
may exercise this power for payments qvMifying for the federal gift tax 8nnual
donee exclusion.
Revocation and Amendment: During the life of MARY C. BURSON, MARY C.
BURSON may revoke or amend the Trust of MARY C. BURSON in whole or in part
by a written document. Moreover, the power of MARY C. BURSON to revoke or
amend this trust is personal, and no guardian, conservator, or other person shall
exercise it.
ess and funeral costs, and expenses of odministration for thi.~ trust. /
"Distribution- Outright to ~ndividual Beneficiaries, Collateral Heirs: At MARY~i ~
BURSON's death, the trustee shall distribute the rem ,al~ing trust estate to the
following, by right of representation (per stirpes): to ~_N_CE L. BURSON, 16.67%
of the remaining trust estate; to ROBERT L. BURSON, 16.67% of the remaining
trust estate; to JEAN BURSON, 16.67% of the rera~ining trust estate; to LAURA A.
ENGEL, 8% of the remsining trust estate; to CATHERINE L. BURSON, 8% of the
remaining trust estate; to ROBERT J. BURSON, 8% of the remaining trust estate;
to ELIZABETH A. BURSON, 8% of the remaining trust estate; to CYNTHIA
BAUSMAN, 8% of the remaining trust estate; to BAKRY A. BAUSMAN, 8% of the
remsining trust estate; and to EDWARD G. ALBANY, 2% of the remoining trust
~.~estate.
Page - 2
If any beneficiary shall fail to survive MARY C. BURSON, the share of the trust
estate allocated to such beneficiary shall be distributed to the issue of such
beneficiary by right of representation. However, if no beneficiaries of MARY C.
BURSON exist, the trustee shall give the remsinder to the heirs of MARY C.
BURSON, their identities and shares to be determined under CsNforuia law in effect
on the date of execution of this inst~,ment relating to succession of separate
property that was not acquired from a parent, grandparent, or previously deceased
spouse.
Page - 3
ARTICLE 2
Trustee Powers & Duties
Nomination of Trustees for All Trusts: For all trusts under this instrument, the
trustee and successor trustees shall be those persons named below. Each successor
trustee shall serve in the order designated ffthe prior trustee fAilg to qualify or
ceases to act. ~ ~
Initial Trustee: MARY C. BURSON . .~f~ ~
Successors:,LAUl~N~E L_B ON fir t u
· ~ ~ ~ -s .s. csessor; ROBERT L. BURSON, second
successor and CATHERINE L. BURSON, third successor
Any trustee, whether individual, co-trustee, or appointed may:
~yAppoint a co-trustee, individual Such shall
or
corporate.
appointments
supersede
successor trustee designated in this instrument.
ajoOCate duties between those serving by a written agreement and concurrence by
rity of the adult income and principal beneficiaries. After such delegation,
any one trustee may unilaterally revoke such delegation at will and without cause by
written notice to the other trustees and adult income and principal beneficiaries.
~s~allResign at any time from any trust under this instrument. The resigning trustee
give written notice of the resignation by personal delivery or registered mail to
all current income beneficiaries. The resignation shall be effective on the
qualification of a designated successor trustee. The designated successor trustee
shall act as trustee on acceptance of the appointment.
wDelagate temporarily to a co-trustee or successor trustee all or any of his or her
ers during temporary vacation periods or other absences from the State of
CAlifornia. The individual trustee shall exercise this power of delegation by written
notice to the co-trustee specifying the powers delegated. This delegation shall
terminate on delivery of written notice by the individual trustee to the co-trustee of
termination of delegation. The individual trustee shall incur no liability to any
beneficiary of the trust estate as a result of any actions taken or not taken within
the scope of delegation during the period of delegation.
ay itsoff reasonable compensation from the trust estate during each calendar
for all ordinary services and reasonable additional compensation for any
extraordinary services, all without court order.
6. Employ custodJAn~, attorneys, accountants, investment advisers, corporate
fiduciaries, or any other agents or advisers to assist the trustee in the
administration of this trust and may rely on the advice given by these agents. The
trustee shall pay reasonable compensation for all services performed by these agents
from the trust estate out of either income or principal as the trustee in the trustee's
Page - 4
reasonable discretion determines. These payments shall not decrease the
compensation to which the trustee is entitlec[
7. Accept as correct any accounting of trust assets made by any predecessor trustee.
However, a successor trustee may institute any action or proceeding for the
settlement of the accounts, acts, or omissions of any predecessor trustee.
8. Hold any property, including shares of the trustee's own stock, or to abandon any
property that the trustee receives or acquires.
9. Retnin~ purchase, or otherwise acquire unproductive property.
10. Manage, control, grant options on, sell (for cash or on deferred payments with or
without security), convey, exchange, partition, divide, improve, and repair trust
property.
11. Lease trust property for terms within or beyond the terms of the trust and for
any purpose.
12. Invest and reinvest the trust estate in every kind of property, real, personal, or
mixed, and every kind of investment.
13. Exercise all the rights, powers, and privileges of an owner of the securities held
in trust, including, but not by way of limitation, the power to vote, give proxies, and
pay assessments; to participate in voting trusts and pooling agreements (whether or
not extending beyond the term of the trust); to enter into shareholders' agreements;
to consent to foreclosure, reorganizations, consolidations, merger liquidations, sales,
and leases, and, incident to any such action, to deposit securities with and tr~n.~fer
title to any protective or other committee on such terms as the trustee may deem
advisable; and to exercise or sell stock subscription or conversion rights.
14. Invest in mortgage participations, in shares of investment trusts and regulated
investment companies, incloding any under the control of any investment counsel
employed by the trustee, in mutual funds, money market funds, and index funds
that investors of prudence, discretion, and intelligence acquire for their own account.
15. Hold securities or other property in the trustee's ~-me as trustee under this
trust, or in the trustee's own name, or in the name of a nominee, or the trustee may
hold securities unregistered in such condition that ownership will pass by delivery.
16. Carry, at the expense of the trust, insurance of such kinds and in such smounts
as the trustee deems advisable to protect the trust estate against any damage or loss
and to protect the trustee against liability with respect to third parties.
17. Borrow money and encumber or hypothecate trust property.
18. Loan money to any person, including a trust beneficiary or the estate of a trust
Page - 5
beneficiary, at prevsiling interest rates and with or without security as the trustee
deems advisable.
19. Purchase bonds either at a premium or at a discount.
20. Acquire and maintain life insurance policies on the life of any person, including a
trust beneficiary, and to exercise all rights of ownership granted to such policies.
21. Purchase at less than par obligations of the United States of America that are
redeemable at par in payment of any federal estate tax liability of a settlor in such
amounts as the trustee deems advisable.
22. Take any action and to make any election to minimi~.e the tax liabilities of any
trust and its beneficiaries, to allocate the benefits among the various beneficiaries,
and to make adjustments in the rights of any beneficiaries, or between the income
and principal accounts, to compensate for the consequences of any tax election or
any investment or administrative decision that the trustee believes has had the
effect of directly or indirectly preferring one beneficiary or group of beneficiaries
over others.
23. Pay from the trust estate, and to allocate between income and principal, any
death taxes to the extent that such taxes are attributable to the trust estate or any
part of it (calculated at the average rates applicable to such tax).
24. Pay the last illness expenses, funeral expenses, and other obligations incurred
for the beneficiary's support from the income or principal of the beneficiary's trust.
25. Make the division and distribution of trust property, when required to divide
such property into shares, in identical interests, in kind, or partly in kind and partly
in money, prorata or nonprorata. Also, the trustee may make such sales of the trust
property as the trustee deems necessary to accommodate such distributions.
Any trustee, whether individual, co-trustee, or appointed shall:
1. Determine all matters with respect to what is principal and income of the trust
estate and the apportionment and allocation of receipts and expenses between these
accounts by the provisions of the California law from time to time existing. When
this instrument or such Act does not provide, the trustee, in the trustee's reasonable
discretion, shall determine the characterization.
2. Prorate all taxes and current expenses among successive beneficiaries over the
period to which they relate on a daily basis.
3. Not be required to physically segregate or divide assets among the various trusts,
except on the termination of any of the trusts. However, the trustee shall keep
separate accounts for the separate undivided interests, and the trust may hold
undivided interests in the same assets.
Page - 6
4. Consider and attempt to equalize, insofar as practicable, the aggregate income
tax basis of assets distributed to the various beneficiaries. Any such determination
by the trustee shall bind all parties in interest.
5. Delay outright distribution of any minor beneficiary's interest in a trust by
continuing in a separate trust such minor's share, subject to any trustee discretion
to terminate a small trust or court-ordered termination. The trustee shah add all
income to principal and pay to or for the benefit of the minor beneficiary as much of
the trust estate as is necessary for the minor beneficiary's health, education,
support, or msintenance in the minor beneficiary's accustomed manner of living
re%er tsldng into account the minor beneficiary's other income and resources known
to the trustee and reasonably available for that purpose. When the minor
beneficiary attsin.~ majority, the trustee shah distribute the trust estate to the
beneficiary outright. If the minor beneficiary dies before distribution, the trustee
shah distribute the trust estate to the beneficiary's estate.
Page - 7
ARTICLE 3
Trust Administration Provisions
The fo[lowing additional trust provisions shall apply under this instrument.
Spendthrift Provision: No beneficiary shall anticipate, assign, encumber, or subject
to any creditor's claim or to legal process any interest in principal or income before
its actual receipt by any beneficiary. The beneficial and legal interests in this trust,
its principal, and its income shall be free from interference or control of any
beneficiary's creditor and shall not be subject to cJsims of any such Creditor or liable
to attachment, execution, bsnlrruptcy, or other process of law.
Perpetuities Savings Clause - Descendants: Ail trusts created by this instrument or
by the exercise of any power of appointment shall terminate twenty-one (21) years
a~ter the death of the descendants of MARY C. BUR,SON living at MARY C.
BURSON's death. The trustee shall distribute the principal and undistributed
income of a terminated trust to the then-living income beneficiaries of that trust in
the same proportion that the beneficiaries are entitled to receive income when the
trust terminates. At the time of such termination, ffthe trust does not fix the rights
to income, the trustee shall distribute the trust by right of representation to the
persons who, in the trustee's reasonable discretion, are entitled to receive trust
payments:
Disclnimer of Administrative Powers: The trustee may discisim~ release, or restrict
the scope of any power held in connection with any trust, including any
administrative power, whether such power is expressly granted or implied by law, by
a written in.~tr~ment specifying the power to be discl~imed, released, or restricted
and the nature of any such restriction.
~ustee Powers - Fiduciary Role: The trustee shall exercise all of the powers in the
trustee's fiduciary capacity and only in such capacity. Further, the trustee shall
have no power to enlarge or shift any of the beneficial interests under any trust
except as an incidental consequence of the discharge of the trustee's fiduciary duties
and shall not make any distribution that discharges any beneficiary's legal
obligations of support.
Compromise Claim~: The trustee shall have the power to compromise, submit to
arbitration, abandon, or otherwise adjust any clzims or litigation again.st or in favor
of the trust.
Litigation: The trustee shall have the power to commence or defend litigation with
advi____sable, at the expense of the
_cting_Claims and Withhold_~, Payment: On the occ~,,~
requiring the trustee to divide, segregate, or distribute th.e .t .r~st property~ the
~ may delay, without the payment of 'mterest, the division, segregation~
distribution of all or any part of such property for such period of time as may be
necessary to ascertain and provide for any such contingent liability. However, this
delay shall not affect the vesting of any interests or the accrual and payment of trust
income to any benefidary.
Trustee Powers Survive: All powers, duties, and immunities of the trustee shall
continue after termination of any trust and until the trustee has made actual
distribution of the property of such trust.
California Law Governs: California law shall govern the validity, construction,
interpretation, and administration of all trusts under this instrument.
No Contract for Disposition of Trust: No settlor has made any agreement (other
than this instrument) controlling the disposition of the trust estate, and the
provisions of this trust shall not be read as evidence of any such agreement.
Appointment of Trustee: If all designated trustees fail to quslify or cease to act, a
court of competent jurisdiction shall appoint a trustee or co-trustees, individual or
corporate, after consideration of the preference of the current income beneficiaries
of the trust.
Individual Trustee's Disability - Successor Trustee Acts: If any individual trustee is
unable to participate in trust activities because of illness, disability, or any other
reason, the designated successor trustee may act as co-trustee during any such
incapacity. In determining the disability of the individual trustee, the successor
trustee may rely on written statements from two licensed physicians who have
examined the trustee. In the absence of such a statement, the successor trustee
shall petition the court having jurisdiction over thi.~ trust for authority to proceed as
successor trustee. The successor trustee shall incur no liability to any beneficiary of
the trust or to the replaced trustee as a result of any action taken under this
provision.
Trustee Differences - Individual Trustee Prevails: If, after consultation with each
other, the trustees are unable to agree regarding any matter affecting the
administration or distribution of the trust estate, the decision of the individual
trustee shall govern. The individual trustee shall advise the corporate trustee in
writing of its decision. The corporate trustee shall comply with any decision of the
individual trustee and shall not be liable to any person for the actions of the trustees
under their decision.
Action by Majority of Trustees - General: Any action taken by a majority of the
trustees in office shall be birding on this trust, and third parties may rely on such
action. The nonconsenting trustees shall not be liable for actions of the majority.
Exculpatory Clause - All Trustees: No trustee shall be liable to any person interested
in this trust for any act or default unless it results from the trustee's bad faith,
willful misconduct, or gross negligence.
Page - 9
Waiver of Bond: No trustee, including nonresidents, shall be required to post bond or
security.
Small Trust Termination - Trustee Discretion: The trustee may determine, in its
reasonable discretion, if the principal of the trust is uneconomical to administer.
The trustee may then, in its reasonable discretion, (1) distribute the trust assets to
the beneficiaries in proportion to their interests in income; (2) purchase and deliver
to the income beneficiaries a restrictive savings account, certificate of deposit,
~nnuity, or endowment; (3) distribute the trust assets to a custodian for the
beneficiaries under the California law; or (4) distribute the trust assets as provided
by law. On such distribution and delivery, the trust shall terminate. The trustee
shall not be I/able or responsible to any person for its action or for its failure or
refusal at any time to terminate the trust as authorized in thi~ paragraph.
Page - 10
ARTICLE 4
Contest, Disinheritance, Definitions
No Contest - Contestant Disinherited: If any beneficiary in any manner, directly or
indirectly, contests or attacks this instrument or any of its provisions, any share or
interest in the trust given to that contesting beneficiary under this instrument is
revoked and shall be disposed of in the s~me manner provided herein as if that
contesting beneficiary had predeceased the settlor.
Survivorship Requirement - Spouse, Beneficiaries: The surviving spouse must
survive the deceased spouse for three (3) months before entitlement to all gifts from
the deceased spouse. For all gifts to other beneficiaries, the beneficiary must
survive the donor-settlor for thirty (30) days before entitlement to such gifts.
Definitions - Trust: As used in this instrument, the terms are defined as follows:
'~Descendants" shall mean lineal descendants in any degree of the ancestor
designated and shall include persons adopted during minority.
"Brothers and sisters" shall include half-brothers and half-sisters ff those persons are
lineal descendants of the settlor.
'Trust," "trusts," and "trust estate" shall be interpreted in the singular or plural as
the context indicates.
"Corporate trustee" shall mean a trust company or a bank with trust powers
authorized to act within the United States.
"Education expenses" shall include the cost of elementary, secondary, college,
university, postgraduate study, seminars, individual or independent research or
study, and travel or foreign study. The trustee may also consider the beneficiary's
related living expenses to the extent they are reasonable.
"Death taxes" shall include federal, foreign, state, and local estate and inheritance
taxes, inChic]in~ penalties and interest, but not generation-skipping or special use
valuation recapture taxes or marital deduction qualified terminable interest
attribution.
"Disclaimer" or "qualified disclaimer" has the same mesniug that "qualified
disclaimer" has under the Internal Revenue Code and supporting regulations.
The masculine, feminine, or neuter gender and the singular or plural number shall
each include the others whenever the context indicates.
']~eneficiary's other resources" shall include the beneficiary's employable skills and a
third party's support obligations.
Page - 11
'~rim~y beneficiary" is a beneficiary whose interests and needs the trustee shall
consider to be parsmount over the other designated beneficiaries in the class.
Clause hesdings are for reorllng convenience and shall be disregarded when
constr~in g this instrument.
Page - 12
ARTICLE 5
Execution and Acknowledgment: Settlor
Signature Clause - Settlor: MARY C. BURSON certifies that MARY C. BURSON has
read the foregoing Declaration of Trust and that it correctly states the terms and
conditions under which the trustee is to hold, manage, and distribute the trust
estate.
MARy C. BURSON, Settlor
County of ORANGE
Certificate Of Notary Public
, State of California
On I - I I - ci c~ before me, ~Lisa H. &~cHa!e
personally appeared MARY C. BURSON, personally known to me (or proved to me
on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the within instrument and acknowledged he/she executed the same in his/her
authorized capacity, and that by Ms/her signature on the inst.,merit the person or
the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature ~ ~ ~ ¢ ~
(Seal)
Page - 13
ARTICLE 6
Execution and Acknowledgment: Trustees
Signature Clause - Trustees: MARY C. BURSON certifies that MARY C. BURSON
has read the foregoing Declaration of Trust and that it correctly states the terms
and conditions under which the trustee is to hold, manage, and distribute the trust
estate.
Dated: ///~/~- ~.
MARY C:BURSON, Trustee
County of. ORANGE
Certificate Of Notary Public
, State of_ California
On {- { I - c~ before me,
personally appea~ed MARY C. BURSON, personally known to me (or prov;d to me
on the basis of satis£actory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the withip instrument and acknowledged he/she executed the same in his/her
authorized capacity, and that by his/her signature on the instrument the person
the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature
(Seal)
Page - 14
AMENDMENT TO ~ DECLARATION OF
TRUST OF ~ TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON
DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
RECITALS
MARY C. BURSON, Trustor and Trustee of Tm~ TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON,
a resident of Orange County, State of California, originally executed the Declaration of
Trust of Tm~. TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON on December 19, 1995.
ARTICLE 1, Declaration of Trust, Revocation and Amendment: "During the life
of MARY C. BURSON, MARY C. BURSON may revoke or amend the Trust of MARY C.
BURSON in whole or in part by a written document. Moreover, the power of MARY C.
BURSON to revoke or amend this trust is personal, and no guardian, conservator, or other
person shah exercise it."
MARY C. BURSON now chooses to establish this Amendment to the above
referenced Declaration of Trust to ~ TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON effective July
, 2oo .
AMENDMENT
NOW TFII~REFORE, the said Declaration of Trust is amended as set forth
hereinbelow:
ARTIC3~E 1, Declaration of Trust, Third Paragraph: Remainder Beneficiaries:
Delete this paragraph in its entirety and substitute in its place and stead the following: "At
the death of MARY C. BURSON, the trustee shall distribute the trust estate to the
following beneficiaries of"The Trust of MARY C. BURSON".-*O-EAN BURSON 50% and
ROBERT L. BURSON 50%."
Article 1, Declaration of Trust, eleventh (11') Paragraph entitled Distribution -
EXHIBIT "C" * gee page One o~ D~.+~
Outright to Individual Beneficiaries, Collateral Heirs: Delete this paragraph in its entirety
and substitute in its place and stead the following: "At MARY C. BURSON's death, the
trustee shall distribute the remaining trust estate to the following, by right of
representation (per stirpes): JEAN BURSON 50% and ROBERT L. BURSON 50%."
ARTICLE 2 Trustee Powers & Duties, Paragraph entitled Successors: Delete this
paragraph in its entirety and substitute in its place and stead the following: "Successors:
JEAN BURSON, first successor; ROBERT L. BURSON, second successor."
SEPARATE PAGE, Numbered Page 4 at bottom of page, dated 7/12/01, stating at
the top of page the following: "8. I, MARY CHRISTINA BURSON, AT MY DEATH, I
WISH MY AGENT FOR ~ALTH CARE TO AD~RE TO THE FOLLOWING:"
Amend the first sentence in Paragraph "B" to read "I WISH TO BE BURIE_~D AT
'~ADDLEBACK CHAPEL WITH ~ "PARDON CROSS" AND ~ "SCAPULAR"
THAT ARE AROUND MY NECK, AS WELL AS ~ LARGE ROSARY THAT IS IN MY
PURSE IN A BROWN ~ CONTAINER."
All other terms and conditions of the Trust remain the sam~
MARY C. BURSON
WITNESS DECLARATION
On the date first written above, MARY C. BURSON declared to us, the
undersigned, that the foregoing Amendment consists of four (4) pages including the page
signed by us as witnesses. She requested us to act as witnesses to it. She thereupon signed
the said amendment in our presence, all of us being present at the same tim~ We now, at
her request and in her presence and in the presence of each ~ther, subscribe our names as
witnesses.
F~aeh of us is now more than eighteen (18) years of age and resides at the address set
forth beside his or her name.
We can state that MARY C. BURSON is over the age of eighteen (18) years and, to
the best of our knowledge, is of sound mind and not acting under duress, menace, fraud,
misrepresentation or undue influence.
We declare under penal~y of perjury under the laws of the State of California that
the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed this Jo~'~day of JvL ~ , 2001, at Allso Viejo, California.
~.a~ c~ ~Residing at
~' ~/'~J~-~ ~esiding at
3
Declaration and Acknowledgment of Notary Public
STATE OF cALr~ORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
On /
personally appeared MARY C. BURSON, personally known to me -OR- ~ proved to
me on flae basis of safisfacto~ evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within
instmmeat and acknowledged to me that she executed the same in her authorized capacity, and
that by he~ signature on the instrument *he peason, or the entity upon behalf of which the person
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and offidal seal.
Signature of Notaxy Public
Comm. . APRIL 17, 2005
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
RECITALS:
The purpose of this document is to restate and correct all previous Trust
Documents and amendments to eliminate all contradictions, errors and omissions.
MARY C. BURSON, Trustor and trustee of THE TRUST OF MARY C.
BURSON, (at that time) A RESIDENT OF Orange County, State of Calitbruia,
originally executed the Declarations of Trust of THE TRUST OF MARY C.
BURSON ON December 19, 1995. (exhibit B) and amended that trust on July 18,
2001 (Exhibit C)and further amended that trust while a resident of 225 Brian
Drive, Enola, PA on September 6, 2002. (Exhibit D)
All of these Documents shall be revised to read as follows:
AMENDMENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
NOV*' THEREFORE, the said documents are amended as set forth hereinbelow:
Page 1: Article I Declaration of Trust:
Establislunent of IRREVOCABLE LIVING TRUST:
MARY C. BURSON establishes with this instrument an irrevocable living trust.
MARY C. BURSON will transfer to the trustee the property, described below as
the "Trust Estate" as well as the property listed herein on the "Schedule of Trust
Assets." The term "settlors refers to MaD' C. Burson and Jean Burson, her primary
co-trustee or her successors if required by Jean Burson's inability to perform.
Date Established:
For convenient reference and coordination with the last will and testament of
MARY C. BURSON, the date of establishment of her irrevocable living trust is
September 8, 2002.
Remainder Beneficiaries:
At the death of M/LRY C. BURSON, the trustee shall distribute the trust estate to
the following beneficiaries of"TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON" JEAN
BURSON, and ROBERT L. BURSON (should anyone fail to agree to accept a
50% share of the remainder after all required acts have been performed, then that
person's share of the estate will pass equally divided to the grm~dchildren of
EXHIBIT "J)"
Pagel //i~l~-'-
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF I~La~RY C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
MARY C. BURSON, namely: LAURA A. ENGLE; CATHERINE L. WARD,
ROBERT J. BURSON; ELIZABETH A. BURSON; CYNTHIA L. BAUSMAN,
and BARRY A. BAUSMAN.
Property Status:
Any property, of MARY C. BURSON transferred to this trust may be called "The
trust estate of MARY C. BURSON.'
Payments:
MARY C. BURSON OR JEAN BURSON OR HER SUCCESSOR DURING HER
INABILITY TO PERFORM MAY AT ANYTIME ACT AS THE TRUSTEE TO
PAY SINGLE SUMS OR PERIODIC PAYMENTS OUT OF THE TRUST
ESTATE TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION. additionally, the conservator
of MARY C. BURSON may exercise this power for payments qualit~ing for the
t~deral gift tax annual donee exclusion.
Amendment:
This instrument may be amended by the signature of MARY C. BURSON
DURING HER LIFETIME WITH A CONCURRENCE OF THE ACTIVE CO-
TRUSTEE. This provision is not intended to affect the irrevocable nature of this
~__.
Instructions at MARY C. BURSON'S death:
At the death of MARY C. BURSON, but before the trust assets are allocated~to
fl~e beneficiaries, the trustee shall be empowered, in the tm~e s reasonable
discretion, to pay from the trust estate MARY C. BURSON S debts, las~ illness //
and funeral costs, and expense~s cfad~ inistration for this trust.
~--,~ibi~on- Outright to Individual Beneficiaries, Collateral Heirs:
At MARY C. BURSON's death, the trustee shall distribute the remaining trust to
the following by right of representation (per stirpes): First To JEAN BURSON; the
entire property and equity of 225 Brian Drive, Enola Pa. with payment of normal
owners transfer costs from the estate, Then the remainder of liquidated assets after
debts and costs have been paid shall go to: JEAN BURSON 50%; and ROBERT L.
BURSON 50%. (Should anyone fail to
Page2~ ~
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
agree to accept their share within 30 days of notice of an inheritance, that share
shall be equally divided among the then living grandchildren of Mary Burson as
previously enumerated.)
If either JEAN BURSON, or ROBERT BURSON should fail to survive MARY C.
BURSON, the share of the trust estate allocated to such beneficiary shall be
distributed to the issue of such beneficiary by right of representation. However, if
no beneficiaries of MARY C. BURSON exist, the trustee shall give the remainder
to the heirs of MARY C. BURSON, their identities and fl~3~T6 be determined
under Pem~sylvania law in effect on the date of execution of this instrument
relating to succession of separate propetW, that was not acquired from a parent,
grandparent, or previously deceased spouse.
ARTICLE 2
Trustee Powers and Duties
Nonfination of Trustees for all trusls:
For all trusts under this instrument, the trustee and successor trustees shall be those
persons named below. Each successor trustee shall serve in the orderdesignated if
the prior trustee fails to qualify or ceases to act.
Initial Trustees:
MARY C. BURSON and/or JEAN BURSON AS CO-TRUSTEES who may act
independently of one another during the lifetime of MARY C. BURSON.
Successors:
JEAN BURSON, First successor upon the death or incapacity of MARY C.
BURSON; ROBERT L. BURSON, first successor of JEAN ,BURSON, HOWARD
Any trustee, whether individual, co-trustee, or appointed may:
perform all items listed 1-25 with this revision:
4. Delegate temporarily to a co-trustee or successor trustee all or any of his or her
powers during temporary vacation periods or other absences from the State of
Pennsylvania.
(all other provisions of item 4 are as originally stated.)
Page 3
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
An), trustee, whether individual, co-trustee, or appointed shall:
Perform all articles numbered 1-5. Article 1. shall be amended to State
Pennsylvania law instead of California law.
ARTICLE 3
Trust Admin/stration Provisions
Pennsylvania Law Governs:
Pennsylvania law shall govern the validity, construction, interpretation, and
administration of all trusts under this inslrument.
Small Trust Termination:
Change California law to Pennsylvania law.
Names and known addresses of trustees and beneficiaries are as follows:
MARY C. BURSON
225 Brian Dr., Enola, PA 17025 (717) 728-3871
JEAN BURSON
320 Pitt St., Enola, PA 17025 (717) 728-9078
ROBERT L. BURSON
23907 Mobile St., West Hills, CA 91307 (818) 888-7438
Howard L. Lewis Sr. (Third Successor Trustee)
12 Hickory Dr., Duncannon, PA 17020 (717) 834-6461
LAURA ENGLE
29931 Happy Sparrow
Laguna, Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 495-7496
CATHERINE WARD
25532 Mac Kenzie St., Laguna Hills CA (949) 458-8579
Page 4
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF MARY C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
ROBERT J. BURSON
23907 Mobile St., West Hills, CA 91307 (818) 888-7438
ELIZABETH A. BURSON
23907 Mobile St., West Hills, CA 91307 (818) 888-7438
BARRY A. BAUSMAN
Receives Money: % JEAN BURSON
To be deposited into M&T Bank in his account, which is managed by JEAN
BURSON POA 320 Pitt St. Enola, PA 17025
Who receives mail at:
Barry A. Bausman H78892
P.O. Box 8503 CFB4-209U, Coalinga, CA 93210
CYNTHIA L. BAUSMAN
621 Hampshire Rd. Unit 310
Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 230-9279
Page 5
AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF:
THE TRUST OF I~La. Ry C. BURSON DATED DECEMBER 19, 1995
AND TO ALL SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS AND STATEMENTS
PRECEEDING SEPTEMBER 8, 2002
Article 5
Execution and Acknowledgment: Settlors
Signature Clause - Setflors:
MARY C. BURSON certifies that MARY C. BURSON has read the foregoing
Amendment of Declaration of Trust and that it correctly states the terms and
conditions under which the trustee or co-trustees shall hold, manage, and distribute
the trust estate.
JEAN BURSON certifies that JEAN BURSON has read the foregoing Amendment
of Declaration of Trust and that it correctly states the terms and conditions under
which the trustee or co-trustees shall hold, manage, and distribnte the trust estate.
Dated: ~ MARY C. BURSON, First Trustee and Settlor 1
Dated: ~7~ - JEAN BURSON, Co-trustee and settlor 2
Certificate of Nota~'y Public
County of Dauphin, State of Pennsylvania
On
personaqly appeared M/LRY C. BURSON and JEAN BURSON, personally 'known
to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person
whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged each
executed the same in each person's authorized capacity, and that by each person's
signature on the instrument, the person or the entity upon behalf of which each
person acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand
Signature ~
Witness Number one: ~
wt
i .ness Number two',~
cial seal.
-"- ~ (seal)
/' /
J u~ HARRiSBORG; DAUPHIN
L_ ~C0M~ISSl0.~ESJU~3,200~ _~
Page 6
VERIFICATION
I, Anthony T. McBeth, am attorney for the Petitioner in the captioned action. I am
verifying the attached document for the Petitioner in that he is outside the jurisdiction of
this Court and his verification cannot be obtained by the time this Petition needs to be
filed. I verify that the facts set forth in the attached document are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. I so state subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).
Anthony T. Mi
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS COURT D!WSION
IN RE: THE TRUST OF
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED
NO.
DECREE
AND NOW, this day of September, 2004, upon consideration of the
annexed Petition for Turnover, an Accounting and the Removal of Jean Burson as
Trustee, a Citation is awarded, and directed to Jean Burson, Trustee under the Trust of
Mary C. Burson, to show cause why she should not be removed from her off`ice as Trustee,
why she should not be required to provide an accounting and why she should not be
required to turn the assets of the trust over to the remaining beneficiary and successor
trustee as named in the Instrument, Robert L, Burson.
Rule returnable within ~ days of service hereof.
BY THE COURT:
iN RE: The Trust of Mary C. Burson. Deceased
IN THE COI JRT OF CC~MM~N PI FA~
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 21-2004-0873
CITATION
WE COMMAND, you that laying aside all busiuess and excuses whatsoevcr, you be and appear in your
propcr person belbre the Houorable Judges of the Court of Common Picas, OcT, hans' Court Division at a
scssion of the said Court there to be held, for the County of Cumberland to show cause why sbe should not
bc removed from hcr office as Trustee, why she shouId not be requircd to provide an accounting and why
she should not be rcquired to mm the assets of the trust over to tbe remaining beneficiary and successor
trustee as named in thc Instrument, Robert L. Burson.
P. ulc returnable within 20 days of service hereof.
Witness nay hand an official seal of office at Carlisle, Pennsylvauia, this 4th day of October 200~4.
Clerk, Orphans' Court D v s on '/
Cumberland County, Carlisle, PA
My Conlmission Exp res o a the 1st Monday
January, 2004
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS COURT DIVISION
IN RE: THE TRUST OF
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED
NO. 21-2004-0873
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE PURSUANT TO PA. R. CIV. P. 412
I, John S. Davidson, Esquire, o£Yost & Davidson, Attorneys for Respondent, Jean Burson,
hereby accept service of the Petition £or Turnover oi'Assets and to Compel Accounting, and certify
that I am authorized to do so as of the date listed below.
Date
/~¢hn' ~: S. Davidson, Esquire
Attorney for Respondent Jean Burson
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNT~.~ENNS. YLVAN[~A
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
IN RE: THE TRUST OF :
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED : NO.: 21-04-00873
ANSWER OF JEAN BURSON, TRUSTEE TO THE PETITION OF ROBERT ~. BURSON,
BENEFICIARY AND SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE(' -q
FOR REMOVAL OF JEAN BURSON AS TRUSTEE, TO COMPEL
AN ACCOUNTING AND TO COMPEL TURNOVER OF TRUST ASSETS
1. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Mary C. Burson died
December 10, 2002 leaving a Will which has never been probated. Robert L. Burson is the executor
named in the said Will. It is denied that the Mary C. Burson Trust was created under the terms of
the Last Will and Testament of Mary C. Burson; rather, the Trust of Mary C. Burson was established,
funded and twice amended in writing during the lifetime of Mary C. Burson.
The documents attached by petitioner to his petition and marked Exhibits "A", "B", "C" and
"D" are not exact copies of the operative documents for the reason that someone other than
Mary C. Burson has made notes and interlineations on the documents, fair copies of which were
previously provided to the Petitioner' s attorney, Anthony T. McBeth, by the Respondent's attorney,
John S. Davidson.
2. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that the petitioner is a party in interest.
It is denied that the petitioner has any interest in the decedent's equitable interest held by Mary C.
Burson at the time of her death in the Westwood Village Condominium Unit situate in East
Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and known as 225 Brian Drive which
interest is distributable to Jean Burson under the terms of the Last Will and Testament and Trust of
Mary C. Burson. It is admitted that Robert L. Burson is entitled to distribution of one-half (1/2) of
the balance for distribution from the Trust excluding the value of the decedent's interest in the 225
Brian Drive Condominium unit.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
By way of further answer, it is averred that Jean Burson has properly maintained and dealt
with the Trust assets and that she has heretofore provided an informal account of her administration
of the Trust assets to the petitioner, Robert L. Burson, through his attorney, Anthony T. McBeth,
Esquire. A copy of the said informal account is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "E" and made a part
hereof by reference thereto.
5. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 5 are specifically denied. The Respondent, Jean
Burson, has provided an informal accounting of her administration of the Trust assets to Robert L.
Burson through his attomey, Anthony T. McBeth. Further, Jean Burson made a partial interim
distribution to Robert L. Burson in the amount of $897.64 on December 20, 2002.
6. Denied. It is denied that Jean Burson has abdicated her duties as Trustee, it is denied
that she has refused to cooperate, and it is denied that she has engaged in any self dealing. Further,
it is denied that it would be appropriate to remove Jean Burson as Trustee for the reason that her
administration of the Trust assets is nearly complete and she has provided an informal account of
her administration to the petitioner, Robert L. Burson, as more fully set forth above. Further, to grant
the relief requested by the petitioner would simply cause additional delay and expense in the
2
ESTATE ~XPENSE~ $30,O~ - 10/10/20~4
1/31¢2003 DIVIDEND 1~ -~-_-- $0__~0_02.L ...... ~257c~ ____ $2543
MARY BURSON ~uRhW'OCABLE TRUST MONEY M.a~'~rvT ACCOUNT 18
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT 18 RECONr'n ~r~ BANK STAT~X~NT CHECK
___ 5/~ 1_/20~0~ .... DIVIDEND 35.31 26,214.77 ~_ $29,000 04
VERIFICATION
I, John S. Davidson, Esquire, am attorney for the Respondent, Jean Burson, in the captioned
action. I am verifying the attached answer for the Respondent for the reason that her verification
cannot be obtained by the time this answer is required to be filed. I verify that the facts set forth in
the foregoing answer are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I so
state subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904 (relating to unswom falsification to
authorities).
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
1N RE: THE TRUST OF
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED
NO.: 21-04-00873
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I have served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer of
Jean Burson, Trustee to the Petition of Robert L. Burson, Beneficiary and Successor Trustee, For
Removal of Jean Burson as Trustee, to Compel an Accounting and to Compel Turnover of Trust
Assets upon the following counsel of record by mailing the same first-class mail, postage prepaid,
deposited at Hershey, Pennsylvania, on this .~' ~day of O¢ ~t,-- _, 2004.
Anthony T. McBeth, Esquire
407 North Front Street
Cameron Mansion
Harrisburg, PA 17101
YOST & DAVIDSON
/J~5~m S. Davidson,
Esquire
~upreme Court ID #17139
320 West Chocolate Avenue
P.O. Box 437
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 533-5101
Attomeys for Petitioner
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION
IN RE: THE TRUST OF :
MARY C. BURSON, DECEASED : NO.: 21-04-00873
AMICABLE SETTLEMENT, RELEASE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DISTRi~UTION
WHEREAS, Robert L. Burson heretofore filed a petition as beneficiary and suc~4~ssor trustee
of the Mary C. Burson Trust to the above term and number seeking the removal of Jean Burson as
Trustee and to compel an accounting by Jean Burson and to compel the turnover of Trus~ assets; and
WHEREAS, Jean Burson has made and provided to Robert L. Burson an informal account
of her administration of the Mary C. Burson Trust from the death of Mary C. Burson on
December 10, 2002 through October 13, 2004; and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Burson has reviewed the informal account provided by Jean Burson
as aforesaid and has further had the said informal account reviewed by a certified public accountant
of his choosing; and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Burson and Jean Burson wish to determine and settle their respective
beneficial interests in the assets of the Mary C. Burson Trust thereby avoiding the time, expense and
attendant publicity of filing a formal account with the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania and to avoid the time and expense of further litigation.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound hereby agree as
follows:
1. Robert L. Burson hereby acknowledges that he has examined the informal account
presented by Jean Burson as aforesaid and upon distribution to him of the sum of$15,000.00, such
distribution will be in full settlement, satisfaction and discharge of all liability of Jean Burson,
Trustee to Robert L. Burson, beneficiary of the Mary C. Burson Trust.
2. Robert L. Burson hereby waives his right to require the filing of an account by the
Trustee in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Orphans' Court
Division, or elsewhere, and waives his right to have the account adjudicated by that Court or any
other Court and agrees to this amicable settlement, release and distribution.
3. In consideration of the distribution to be made to him in the amount of $15,000.00,
Robert L. Burson does hereby remise, release and forever discharge Jean Burson, Trustee and the
Mary C. Burson Trust from any and all actions, suits, accounts, reckonings, claims and demands
whatsoever. This release is intended by the parties to have the same force and effect as though an
account had been filed with the Court and the account adjudicated by the Court and distribution
made in accordance with an Order of Court.
1N WITNESS WHEREOF, I Robert L. Burson, verify that the foregoing amicable settlement,
release and acceptance of distribution is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. 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.
Robert L. Burson
November2004/Disk~ 1/Burson Release I 1 - 15-04