Judge appoints joint conservators for Sandra Jarrell and orders mediation over finances

The judge presiding in Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court appointed joint conservators for Sandra Jarrell after hearing testimony from family members and reviewing power-of-attorney documents.

Jamie Sue Matthews, who said she had been her mother—s primary caregiver for portions of the last two years, testified about daily care and concerns that her sister—s handling of wallets and bank accounts impeded payment for medical care. Jacques Edward "Jack" Matthews described the household—s caregiving and told the court the facility billing was already substantial; he cited a bill of about $14,500 for the first weeks and ongoing costs of roughly $13,000 a month without Medicaid.

Jodielyn ("Jody") Miles, who said she presented a durable power of attorney and a notarized document prepared by a family friend, testified she had been paying the decedent—s bills prior to the most recent placement and said she lacked access to accounts after her sister closed an account and opened a new one.

A social worker, Britney Keith, and counsel for interested parties provided factual input. Counsel noted the practical effect of the family—s actions: though a durable power of attorney existed on paper, the court found it had not operated to secure the decedent—s finances and care.

On these facts the judge concluded the documents were not practically effective and that immediate intervention was necessary to ensure the decedent—s care. The judge appointed both Matthews and Miles as joint conservators to manage finances and property, encouraged them to work together and ordered court-funded mediation through Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (or a mediator of the parties— choosing if they preferred) to resolve division of household items and sale of the home. The judge said mediation funding is limited but available.

The court emphasized the goal of using sale proceeds or personal property to pay for care so the decedent can continue to receive necessary services. The judge said the parties could return to court if mediation failed and the court would then make a decision about sole conservatorship or other interventions.

The judge signed letters of appointment and invited the conservators to obtain copies from the clerk—s office. The order directed supervision of funds to ensure medical bills are paid; the court also noted that, if necessary, the parties could seek additional court assistance on an expedited basis.