When Probate Court Findings Carry Forward: Lessons from Heussner v. Day, Berry & Howard, LLP

Sometimes a fight over family property doesn’t just end in Probate Court. It spills into criminal court and then into civil litigation. That’s exactly what happened in the case of Heussner v. Day, Berry & Howard, LLP, 94 Conn. App. 569 (2006), a cautionary tale for families dealing with conservatorship and disputes over a parent’s belongings.

In this case, the daughter of an elderly woman was accused by her co-conservators, including a law firm partner, of taking over 400 items from her mother’s home without permission. The Probate Court held a full hearing, found that the daughter had wrongfully taken the property, and ordered her to return it. When the daughter later sued the law firm and its partner for malicious prosecution and emotional distress, the court dismissed her claims. Why? Because the factual findings from the Probate Court were binding. She had already litigated and lost the key issue of whether she took the property without authorization.

The lesson is clear. Probate Court orders carry legal weight, and if you don’t appeal them, you may be barred from challenging the same issues later in a different forum. It’s also a reminder of the importance of respecting conservatorship authority and the proper process for resolving inheritance and ownership disputes.

If you have questions about probate, conservatorship, or multi-state estate issues, feel free to call me or schedule a time.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.