Thursday, December 23, 2010

ABC15's Questions for Sun Valley Group Owner Peter Frenette

Area families have levied serious complaints against SVG and the company is currently under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Organized Crime Unit.

We proposed questions about SVG's business, probate court and the upset families involved in our stories. As with the other three news reports, Frenette declined our request for an on-camera interview. Frenette did agree to give us written answers to our questions. The questions we prepared are below. However, instead of answering the specific questions, Frenette gave us a written statement.

Here are a few of ABC15's questions:

*What are your thoughts on how probate court, guardianship and conservatorship work in Maricopa County? What are the good qualities, what are the bad qualities?

*What are your thoughts of the taskforce formed by the state court to examine and change portions of probate court? Can changes be made? What would you like to see changed?

*One of our stories included conflicts of interest. How do you feel about SVG attorneys serving as pro-tem judges in probate court? Do you think this is a conflict of interest?

*Your wife and co-owner of SVG, Heather Frenette is also a contracted court investigator. She determines when people should be considered for guardianship and that is what your company does. Do you think that is a conflict of interest?

*What is your opinion about the criticism that probate court in incestuous? In the way, that it is usually all the same people working in a way that raises the costs for the ward.

*What are your thoughts about everyone -fiduciaries and attorneys- billing the one estate? Should that change?

*We have had many families contact us regarding your company. The complaints are similar. What do you say to the complaints that your company isolated their loved ones? Some were not allowed to see their families. Over medicated them? And sold off all their belongings leaving them penniless?

*One of the stories we did was on fees both by attorneys and by SVG. (Trips to the mall and stuffed animals in the Connie Carrier case more than $3,300; $500 cash for Clair DiPardo to see her mother Gloria Horrigan on Easter; a limo and basketball game for a 85 year old Marie Long-the billing minus the cost of tickets was more than $1,000. Families called these outrageous. Please comment.

*Dropping clients because they can no longer pay fees in considered unethical, especially in law. How do you feel about doing it?

*Many complaints are regarding the inner circle of probate court? Are some of your cases referrals?

Full Article and Source:
Questions for Sun Valley Group Owner Peter Frenette

Peter Frenette's Response

7 comments:

Thelma said...

Very interesting questions - typical of the racket all across the country!

StandUp said...

Yes Thelma and notice that SVG is silent?

They surely do not like the sunshine of the media. Perhaps all victims should send them sunglasses!

Barbara said...

Good questions! ABC15's on top of it and I appreciate their efforts.

Tami Goldmann said...

Did you read what this guy wrote? He said "In other situations, the client is being exploited by the very friends and family that should be assisting them." Isn't THAT saying black to the kettle? He also wrote, "We have obtained millions.... which our clients were entitled." I had a trustee from Devon Bank tell me that too. They say that to make it look like they're doing right by their client. What they don't tell you is that after the money is collected, it's squandered along with the rest of the estate. It's all just smoke and mirrors.

Melody said...

I can not believe this guy could take advantage of a senior citizens money. I am very outraged and the owner should get punished to the fullest extent of the law. It is very disturbing that our court systems could let someone get away with this. It disgusts me that people could get away with renting a limo to basketball game on someone else's money when it does not benefit them. Please people look up the word benefit in a dictionary, because I am sorry but going to a game with someone elses money is not benefiting them unless they can not go by themselves and need to someone to go with them. But no these people took this ladys money and used it recreational for themselves including a limo disgusting. When I become a lawyer I am going to change this kind of stuff. Thanks!

jerri said...

right on spot tami smoke and mirrors hey look over here so you don't look at us!

Anonymous said...

The Organized Crime Unit is investigating. Not good news for the crooks.