Chapter 23 - Mara’s civil claim fails
From custody, Mara filed a civil claim against Caroline’s estate seeking reimbursement for guardianship expenses.
At first I was furious.
Then records showed some claim legitimate.
She had paid:
Funeral expenses.
Sophie’s clothing.
Rent portion.
Medical copays.
School costs before withdrawal.
A guardian can be reimbursed for legitimate expenses.
Her misconduct did not make every dollar fake.
Estate administrator reviewed.
Valid documented unreimbursed expenses:
$18,700.
Improper/questionable claimed cash:
$31,000 rejected.
Mara received approved reimbursement subject to offsets for restitution and other obligations.
I hated that emotionally.
Legally it was correct.
Then she also claimed percentage of clinic settlement for “guardianship advocacy.”
Rejected.
No basis.
Her earlier lawyer Thomas Reed testified:
Mara repeatedly demanded personal share beyond actual expenses.
That supported motive but did not make her original guardianship invalid from day one.
Again, mixed.
Then our own civil claim against Mara.
We did not pursue an enormous judgment.
Sophie’s representative negotiated:
Mara paid $55,000 from nonexempt savings/property interest over time.
No additional contact rights.
No confidentiality.
Settlement recognized limited collectability.
May you like
Enough.
No revenge bankruptcy.
