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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-12IN RE: EMILY A. SMOKER <.~-, v'~ r-~ .4 ci ~.3 i~~t " ~ !~ U ' a : ~ ` `TL, r', rf, ~ _ . L~ ~~, ~ ~~ ~ ~ `~`' ~ s c .~ PL~ CEY, C.P.J., 12 JUNE 2012 '~ ~~~m ~ ~~ IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT NO: 21-12-0540 ORPHAN'S COURT OPINION At issue in this present case is whether Emily A. Smoker should be adjudicated an incapacitated person on a permanent basis, and, if yes, whether Dawn M. Smoker should be appointed plenary guardian of her person and estate. A hearing was held in this matter on 12 June 2012. The allegedly-incapacitated person was present for the hearing. The court appointed counsel, Lisa M. Coyne, Esquire, was present, and participated in the hearing. Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, the following findings of fact and discussion are made and entered: 1. The allegedly-incapacitated person is Emily A. Smoker, an individual and domiciliary of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who presently resides at 104 Louisa Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. She will become an adult on 21 August 2012. 2. Petitioner is Dawn M. Smoker whose address is 104 Louisa Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. 3. The allegedly-incapacitated person suffers from autism with severe cognitive impairment. 1~ ~1 4. As a consequence of her condition, Emily A. Smoker's ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions is impaired to such a significant extent that she is totally unable to manage her financial resources, and totally unable to meet essential requirements for her physical health and safety. 5. Emily A. Smoker's estate is Bank account of $1,000.00 and her annual income is approximately zero at this point. 6. The prognosis for Emily A. Smoker is unfavorable at the present time. 7. Emily A. Smoker is in need of a plenary guardian of her person and estate. 8. The duration of the necessary guardianship must be considered at best indefinite, and for practical purposes permanent. g. The proposed guardian, Dawn M. Smoker, whose address is 104 Louisa Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, is appropriate to serve as guardian of Emily A. Smoker's person and estate, and is qualified under the statute to do so. l0.The biological father, John Smoker, V, expressed his desire that Dawn M. Smoker be appointed sole guardian in Exhibit "D" of the Petition. 11.The foregoing Findings of Fact are made on the basis of clear and convincing evidence. DISCUSSION The rovisions respecting an adjudication of incapacity are contained in 20 Pa. p C.S. Sections 5501 et seq. The Petitioner has substantially complied with these sand based upon the foregoing findings of fact, an accompanying order of provision , court shall be entered granting the Petition. mil A. Smoker is notified that she has a right to appeal this decision to the E y nia Su erior Court within thirty (30) days of the entry of the order, and she Pennsylva p ma petition, at any time, for a modification or termination of the order. Y g~ court._____----~ /,,.~~!_ Thomas A. lacey C.P.J. Susan J. Hartman, Esq. 1 Irvine Row Carlisle, PA 17013 Lisa M. Coyne, Esq. 3901 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 • ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY In Re: EMILY A SMOKER PENNSYLVANIA NO. 21-12-0540 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF ORDER ORDER DATE: JUDGE'S INITIALS: TIME STAMP DATE: IN RE: OPINION SERVICE TO: SUSAN J HARTMAN ENVELOPES PROVIDED BY: METHOD OF MAILING: [] PETITIONER ® LISPS ®JUDGE RRR ~ CLERK OF ORPHANS COURT HAND DELIVERED OTHER MAILED: 6/ 14/] 2 SERVICE TO: METHOD OF MAILING: LISPS ^ RRR HAND DELIVERED [] OTHER MAILED: ENVELOPES PROVIDED BY: PETITIONER JUDGE ^ CLERK OF ORPHANS COURT / ~'~ '~-' e ty erk of Orphans' Court