ESTATE OF JOHN MAUDE, Deceased (18-1419/A) — Decedent John Maude died intestate on July 22, 2015. In this proceeding to settle the account of the New York County Public Administrator for the administration of decedent’s estate, one alleged cousin distributee appeared, objected, and sought to establish her status and the identity of decedent’s other distributees. At a kinship hearing held before a court attorney-referee, the proof established that decedent was survived by 18 paternal first cousins as her sole distributees, three of whom died after the decedent. The proof established that there were no maternal-side distributees. A guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed for unknown distributees concurs as to the kinship determination in his report to the court. The GAL was also appointed for an alleged distributee, Mary Maude, a disabled person living in a residential facility. The Attorney General’s office also appeared by counsel on behalf of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to ensure that her distributive share would not disrupt her care or benefits. The GAL recommends as does OPWDD that her share be distributed to a burial fund that has been established for her benefit, which is also known as an irrevocable burial trust (IBT). Accordingly, the net estate should be divided into 18 equal shares, and one share distributed to each of: Ellen Costa (born Carlson), Ann Casey (born Carlson), Michelle Maude, Maureen Romano (born Maude), Denise Shaw (born Maude), Christine Mundt (born Maude), Thomas Maude, Mary Gayron, Agnes Gayron, Catherine Gayron, William Gayron, the fiduciary of the estate of George Pearce, Eileen Hoefling (born Pearce), the fiduciary of the estate of Christopher Pearce, Joseph Pearce, the fiduciary of the estate of Marian Shelnutt (born Pearce), and Madeline Roblin. The 18th share, which is payable to Mary Maude, shall be paid to a funeral home on account of the IBT established for her benefit as set forth in the decree. Petitioner’s rejection of the claims of Gramercy Cardiac Diagnostic Srvs., Diagnostic Srvs., New York-Presbyterian-EMS, and the New York Time is approved. Petitioner shall supplement her account in accordance with the decision, and as so supplemented, the account is settled. Settle Accounting Decree. Dated: July 8, 2024
