128 Conn. App. 259
Conn. App. Ct.2011Background
- Married 1963; two daughters, Jeannine Childree and Jennifer Dearborn.
- Defendant developed senile dementia before 2009.
- Probate Court appointed Childree as temporary conservator of person and Dearborn as temporary conservator of estate in Feb. 2009.
- Plaintiff filed suit for legal separation, alimony, and division of property in Feb. 2009; defendants answered in Mar. 2009 admitting many claims.
- Probate Court found defendant incapable and made permanent the conservators’ appointments in Mar. 2009.
- Conservators filed a cross complaint seeking dissolution of marriage on Apr. 1, 2009; plaintiff moved to dismiss Oct. 2009.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether conservators may seek dissolution on ward’s behalf | Luster argues conservators lack statutory authority | Conservators may act to protect ward’s best interests | Conservators may file a dissolution cross-complaint on ward’s behalf |
Key Cases Cited
- Cottrell v. Connecticut Bank & Trust Co., 175 Conn. 257 (1978) (ward’s guardian/representative necessary for suit when lacking capacity)
- Lesnewski v. Redvers, 276 Conn. 526 (2005) (exceptions to common-law rule allowing ward to sue)
- Newman v. Newman, 235 Conn. 82 (1995) (minor-like ward represented by guardian; access to courts protected)
- Marcus' Appeal from Probate, 199 Conn. 524 (1986) (conservator acts under Probate Court supervision; fiduciary duties)
- Fernandez v. Fernandez, 208 Conn. 329 (1988) (dissolution proceedings under §46b-45; capacity to sue)
- Murphy v. Wakelee, 247 Conn. 396 (1998) (conservator as fiduciary; actions to protect ward)