Opinion ID: 897642
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Boone Matter

Text: [¶ 5] In the Stipulation and Consent to Discipline, Christensen further stipulates that beginning in 1987, he represented Ralph Boone, Jr., in various estate planning matters. Christensen drafted a will for Ralph Boone dated June 10, 1987, and a codicil dated December 31, 1996. In May of 2001, at Ralph Boone's request, Christensen drafted a Durable Power of Attorney for Boone, naming Boone's nephew Stephen Boone as his Attorney-In-Fact. In July 2001, Christensen, at Ralph Boone's request, created an irrevocable trust naming Christensen and Stephen Boone as co-trustees. The trust also authorized Stephen Boone to act individually on behalf of the co-trustees. Under the terms of the trust Stephen Boone's actions were to be reviewed quarterly by Christensen. Ralph Boone reserved the right to call for the resignation of one or both trustees, and neither trustee received compensation. [¶ 6] On March 30, 2002, Ralph Boone married Adele Hankey in Cavalier, North Dakota. As Attorney-in-Fact, Stephen Boone questioned Ralph Boone's competence to marry and, authorized Christensen to commence an action for annulment or divorce on Ralph Boone's behalf. Stephen Boone also requested Christensen to petition the court to appoint Stephen Boone as guardian of Ralph Boone as an incapacitated person. [¶ 7] On April 8, 2002, Christensen commenced an annulment/divorce action, as Ralph Boone's attorney, and under the direction and authority of Stephen Boone as Attorney-in-Fact for Ralph Boone. On May 7, 2002, Christensen, representing Stephen Boone, commenced guardianship proceedings. In doing so, Christensen acted on the good faith belief he was dealing with a client under disability in a manner consistent with ABA Formal Ethics Opinion 96-404. Christensen concedes that ABA Formal Ethics Opinion 96-404 provides that a lawyer for a client under a disability may consult with the client's family, and may even petition the court for the appointment of a guardian and recommend a particular person for the position, but a lawyer should not attempt to represent a third party petitioning for the appointment. [¶ 8] On June 11, 2002, the trial court appointed John Thelen as Guardian Ad Litem for Ralph Boone in the guardianship proceedings, and further ordered the appointment of a clinical psychologist and a visitor. The trial court ordered the appointment of John Thelen as Guardian Ad Litem for Ralph Boone in the annulment/divorce proceedings, concluding that Stephen Boone may have interests that are not consistent with those of Ralph Boone, Jr. The trial court further ordered that Christensen could continue to represent Ralph Boone, through Stephen Boone, who holds power-of-attorney authority. In a Memorandum Opinion, the trial court concluded that additional counsel was not necessary and that Thelen, who is also a licensed attorney, would be appointed to act as guardian and attorney for Ralph Boone. The annulment/divorce case and guardianship proceedings were later resolved by stipulation.