Barbara B.
1/5
It might be legal, but itâs not ethical!
For over a year we have been dealing with the most exasperating situation that we could have imagined in relation to what should have been a relatively simple estate settlement. Four siblings, in total agreement with one another, had to deal with a lawyer who made this experience a source of extreme frustration and aggravation.
The communication with Lynn Johnston was beyond irritating. Time and again when calls were made to the office it appeared to us that the file had not been opened since our previous connection. Many times we were asked to supply the same information as we had previously submitted. Continuous phone calls and reminders had to be made to the office to keep things moving ahead.
We all hope that we can trust professionals to âdo the right thingâ and not take advantage of their clients, especially when the clients are already mourning the loss of a loved one. Not having been through the process before, we went into the situation blind and hoping we could expect kind, honest, upfront guidance. Instead, it felt like we were duped. Legal-yes. Ethical-no!
The executor noticed just before signing several papers that Lynn Johnston had allotted herself almost $40,000 for executor fees on top of her already exorbitant fee! While Iâm sure she was within legal boundaries, her actions, in our eyes, were unconscionable.We already had an executor who was doing all that he could to perform the required duties. A simple phone call outlining any extra duties and he would have gladly complied. Our dear father did not work for his whole life with the intention of the estate lawyer being one of the benefactors to his will. To add insult to injury, we had an appointment to pick up the certified cheques and Lynn Johnston did not appear for the appointment but was conspicuously absent.
Taking advantage of people who are unversed in legal matters negates all trust and I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone.