Opinion ID: 1866152
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Third Count: Neglect of Estate Matters

Text: Respondent began probate of the estate in February 1982 and, for the next 6 months, filed the appropriate papers and documents. However, the inventory and appraisal of the estate was not filed until October 13, 1983. The court, in its findings after the hearing to show cause, held that respondent had failed to file the estate inventory and close the estate in a timely manner and failed to respond to the court. Between October 1983 and January 1985, respondent filed income tax-related documents, but did not file any documents with the court. On January 31, 1985, the court wrote to respondent and inquired when the estate would be closed. Respondent stated that a lawsuit against the estate was settled on February 5, 1985, and that the estate would be closed within 30 days. As the referee noted, the lawsuit was not settled until June 1985. Respondent admits that there was no reason why the estate was not closed soon after this date. From June 1985 through January 1987, the court wrote to respondent numerous times inquiring why the estate was not closed. On several occasions, respondent did not reply to the court's letters or telephone calls. When respondent did reply, he either assured the court that the estate would be closed shortly or requested extensions. On May 14, 1987, the court issued an order to show why the personal representative should not be removed and the attorney reported to the director of the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board. At the July 1, 1987 hearing to show cause, respondent told the court that he had no excuse for the delay and that it was not the fault of the personal representative. On July 1, 1987, a Final Account was filed with the court and, on July 31, 1987, an Amended Final Account was filed. The estate was then closed. Respondent concedes that his failure to close the estate promptly after June 1985 and his failure to respond to the court violated DR 6-101(A)(3), Minn.Code of Prof.Resp. and Minn.R.Prof.Conduct 1.3.