Leroy Johnston Ellis IV

NOTICE: This comment was filed by someone who was "consulted" NOT a CLIENT. I'm very sorry you feel that I did not handle your father's Estate properly. When he wrote the Will he was competent and he named me Executor because of family conflicts which, I think you will agree, are significant. I did this out of respect for your father. You had the right to Object to my appointment as Executor, or your attorney could have objected, but you did not object at any time over the entire course of the 11 months of administration. While I was Executor, anyone who wanted access to full and complete bank records, and records for the Expenses of Estate Administration need only ask. I would have been happy to provide them to your attorney, and I will be happy to provide them today. You will find that every penny is accounted for and I did not take any fees during the year we spent in administering the Estate. I preserved the assets that existed at the time of death. As you know your father's accounts had been raided prior to his death and that was resolved by written agreement that you signed. What was given to Goodwill or otherwise I was instructed to waive claim to by you and your sisters. There were no other heirs to distribute to. As for my wife being a witness, this is not unethical or irregular considering size of our community and availability of witnesses. It took 11 months to complete the administration, Opened Jan. 2018 Distributed in December 2018. Many attorneys do not close an estate until after the 12th month because the Statute of Limitations in Tennessee is one (1) year from the date of death. This is prudent practice. I admit that I need another employee just to answer and reply to phone calls. I accept this critical comment as valid and will work to do better with future clients. I would remind you that attorneys are forbidden from communicating with someone represented by counsel unless their attorney is present. If you made a call directly to me, while represented by counsel, I will NOT return it. Because the Estate is closed, If you would like to discuss your concerns, I will be happy to respond in greater detail over the phone or via e-mail.