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Due Process Required in Guardianship Proceedings

By:  Jeffrey Skatoff, Esq.

In the recent decision of Zelman v. Zelman (4th DCA July 1, 2015), the Court held that a non-party to a guardianship proceeding must be afforded due process, which includes sufficient prior notice and a full and fair opportunity to be heard.  

The case involved Lois Zelman, the wife of Martin Zelman, an alleged incapacitated person (AIP).  Martin’s son, Robert Zelman, previously had petitioned the probate court for a determination that his 85-year-old father was incapacitated.  The Court, in turn, appointed limited guardians over Martin’s person and property, after a determination that Marin was incapacitated.  Martin’s children sought this determination of incapacity upon a belief that Lois was taking advantage of Martin’s feeble state, isolating him from his children, and taking control of substantial assets.

As evidence of Martin’s incapacity, was an allegation that Martin accidentally deposited $3 million in his joint bank account shared with Lois.  Although the petitions pending before the trial court did not request a return or transfer of the $3 million from the couple’s joint bank account, the trial court ordered this transfer sua sponte.  The order was made without providing Lois, a joint holder of the couple’s bank account, sufficient notice nor an opportunity to be hear.  Further, Lois was not permitted to call witnesses, submit evidence, or properly cross-examine witnesses. 

On appeal, the Fourth District reversed the order compelling the transfer of $3 million from Martin and Lois’s joint account to Martin’s Revocable Trust.  In so doing, the Court noted that due process is a constitutional guarantee which affords all litigants with a full and fair opportunity to be heard.  In addition, the Fourth District was critical of the trial court’s sua sponte action compelling the transfer because that relief was not requested in the operative pleadings. 

In short, a litigant, party or non-party, must be afforded notice and an opportunity to be heard.  It is a direct contravention of the constitutional guarantee of these due process principles when a court decides matters or awards relief not the subject of pleadings nor the subject of a noticed hearing. 

Jeffrey Skatoff is a Florida probate attorney.  To have Mr. Skatoff review your case free of charge, please go to his website.

Jeffrey Skatoff Esq

Jeffrey H. Skatoff, Esq.

Probate, Trust & Guardianship Litigation

Hourly & Contingency Fees Available

AV Rated Martindale Hubbell

skatoff.com 

(561) 842-4868

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