Opinion ID: 1583561
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Estate of Colleen M. Schulista.

Text: Count I of the petition related to Joy's handling of the estate of Colleen M. Schulista. The record shows that this matter involved a simple estate with only one small parcel of farmland. The evidence further established that Joy did not complete the required work in a timely manner, which resulted in the district court clerk issuing two delinquency notices. After unsuccessfully attempting to establish communications with Joy through repeated phone calls and a certified letter, the executor hired another attorney to complete the work on the estate. The estate was open for over four years prior to closure. See generally Iowa Code § 633.473 (2003) (requiring closure of estate within three years unless otherwise ordered by the court). Joy compounded his neglect by being less than candid with the court. For example, Joy responded to one of the delinquency notices by stating that the remaining work to be done was to obtain an income tax acquittance, prepare the Final Report, and prepare and file an affidavit for change of title. Joy failed to disclose that state and federal tax returns had not been prepared or filed.