Stuart Barnes v. Shawn A. Allen

The question is whether the doctrine of chances theory or character evidence is supported. The finan­ cial exploitation petition presented evidence that Ms. Anna Allen (mother’s) estate was mismanaged and ex­ hausted, in addition to being buried without a grave marker. Further, the Guardian Ad Litem report and appointed guardian’s testimony provided evidence of financial exploitation of the protected person. The trus­ tee of the decedent’s estate and appointed guardian/ conservator are the same person. The petition infor­ mation was not refuted or challenged. The respondent applied for guardianship solely for nondisclosure of protected person’s financial assets, more specifically the “wrongful death” settlement of $147,000 in 2017 and its official account balance as of 2021 and 2023.