• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • WHO WE ARE
    • About Our Firm
    • Attorney and Staff Profiles
    • News and Events
  • Areas We Serve
    • Essex County, MA
      • Andover
      • North Andover
    • Hillsborough County, NH
      • Manchester
      • Nashua
    • Middlesex County, MA
      • Concord
      • Lexington
      • Wakefield
      • Winchester
      • Woburn
    • Rockingham County, NH
      • Exeter
      • Londonderry
      • Salem
  • Services
    • Asset & Business Planning
    • Elder Law & Medicaid Services
    • Estate And Gift Tax Figures
    • Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
    • Legacy Planning Services
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Loss Of A Loved One
    • Pet Planning
    • Power Of Attorney
    • Probate and Trust Administration
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Young Families
  • Elder Law
    • Coping with Alzheimer’s
    • Hospice Care
    • Medicaid Planning
    • Nursing Home Planning
  • Resources
    • Elder Law
      • Elder Law & Medicaid Definitions
      • Elder law reports
      • Elder Law Resources
        • Elder Law Resources – Londonderry, New Hampshire
        • Elder Law Resources North Andover, Massachusetts
        • Nashua, New Hampshire Elder Law Resources
        • Woburn, MA Elder Law Resources
    • Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning Articles
      • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
      • Estate Planning Checkup
      • Estate Planning Definitions
      • Estate Planning Reports
        • Advanced Estate Planning
        • Basic Estate Planning
        • Estate Planning for Niches
        • Trust Administration
      • Incapacity Planning Definitions
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Top 10 Estate and Legacy Planning Techniques
    • Free Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Free Seminars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Asset Protection Planning
      • Business Planning
      • Charitable Gifting
      • Estate Planning
      • Elder Law
      • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Incapacity Planning
      • Legacy Wealth Planning
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning
      • Medicaid Planning
      • Trust Administration & Probate
      • Wills and Trusts
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Presentations
    • Probate and Trust Administration
      • Bereavement Resources
      • How to Know if You Need Extra Help With Your Grieving
      • Loss Of A Loved One
      • Probate Resources
        • Nashua, New Hampshire Probate Resources
        • Probate Resources – Londonderry, New Hampshire
        • Probate Resources – North Andover, MA
        • Probate Resources – Wakefield, Massachusetts
        • Woburn, MA Probate Resources
      • The Mourner’s Bill of Rights
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Trust
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Will
      • Trust Administration & Probate Definitions
    • Published Books
  • Live Seminars
    • Online Seminars
    • In-Person Seminars
  • Videos
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us

DeBruyckere Law Offices, PC

Serving Southern New Hampshire & Essex Country, Massachussetts

Call us today(603) 894-4141

(978) 969-0331

Online Seminars
Attend Free Seminar
Home » Elder Law » State of AL Opens Elder Abuse Investigation for Harper Lee

State of AL Opens Elder Abuse Investigation for Harper Lee

March 26, 2015Elder Law

capture-20150209-062351

The moment it was announced renowned author Harper Lee had decided to publish another work, the literary community cheered. Almost simultaneously, questions about her ability to make such a decision began surfacing. For fans, we all hoped it wasn’t true. We love Harper Lee. We grew up on Harper Lee, despite her having published just one award winning work, To Kill a Mockingbird. The fact that she was an introvert and loathed the public eye was only endearing to her fans. Now, though, those questions about her mental capacity to make such a decision about Go Set a Watchman have evolved into an investigation by her home state, Alabama, for potential elder abuse.

In Monroeville, AL, the 88 year old author is protected by the citizens in that small town. They too love her and sadly, the publicists, lawyers and literary agents are doing their level best to remove what they say is “noise”. They’re questioning whether she really understands that she’s about to publish a novel, written more than half a century ago, with all that comes with the event. The community says no way; she wants to live the remainder of her life the same way she’s lived the majority of her life: in peace, out of the spotlight and without the bright lights of the literary world. But is there anything there that would justify an elder abuse investigation for Harper Lee?

Responding to at least one complaint (and many say there are more to follow) of potential elder abuse related to the publication of “Watchman,” Alabama investigators interviewed Ms. Lee last month at the assisted living facility where she resides in Alabama. They have also interviewed employees at the facility, called the Meadows, as well as several friends and acquaintances.

One person who was in attendance during the interviews agreed to comment, provided anonymity was respected due to the ongoing inquiry. She said Ms Lee “appeared capable of understanding questions and provided cogent answers to investigators. Others have given different stories, with some stating that she could have dementia considering the level of confusion and depression that’s often exhibited. Both are common with dementia and other neurological disorders. Several people noted that her condition varied depending on the day.

What the investigation might uncover is unknown. It’s also unknown as to whether there are other open investigations with other agencies. The elder abuse case is now more than a month old. For Alabama to open an investigation – and make it public – serves as a reminder of just how important these issues are and it also shows that no one is immune from this type of abuse, if it’s proven. There’s much at stake for all the players and certainly Ms Lee’s legacy. Watchman was first rejected by her publishers in the 1950s. It was shelved and rewritten and what we had was To Kill a Mockingbird.

Philip Sanchez, a lawyer who was a pallbearer at the funeral for Ms. Lee’s older sister, Alice, last year, and visits Ms. Lee regularly, said he is not prepared to judge whether Ms. Lee is capable of consenting to publish the book. “It’s a call only God or a doctor can make,” he said. “I am more concerned that Nelle is content than the discussion of her cognizance.”

To learn more about protecting your own loved ones as they age, we invite you to contact our offices today.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Daniel DeBruyckere
Daniel DeBruyckere
Attorney Daniel A. DeBruyckere has been practicing law in New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 1998, and has helped hundreds of clients with their estate planning and elder care issues. He is very well respected in the area of estate planning, probate, trust administration, elder law issues, and business planning.
Daniel DeBruyckere
Latest posts by Daniel DeBruyckere (see all)
  • Fewer People Have an Estate Plan in Place Than in Years Past - February 16, 2021
  • Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion - February 1, 2021
  • Estate Planning for Singles - January 28, 2021

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Woburn estate planning attorneys
What You Need to Know If You Are Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
Nashua area elder law attorney
If You Hope to Age in Place You Need to Plan Ahead
North Andover area Medicaid planning attorney
Spousal Impoverishment Guidelines for 2020
North Andover area elder law attorney
Is There A Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Nashua area elder law attorney
Tips to Help You Choose the Best Nursing Home for Your Mother
North Andover area veterans benefits attorney
Are You a Vietnam Vet? If So, What You Need to Know about Veterans Benefits and Help for PTSD

DeBruyckere Law Offices, PC

Download our free Estate Planning Worksheet

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Please fill out the form below:
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Youtube

Blog Subscribe

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Testimonials

I felt complete trust and confidence in Dan DeBruyckere and his staff. They have a caring, low-key approach and there is no pressure to add products to the estate plan; rather he makes me aware of changes in the law, etc. I always learn something new to assist me in our planning!

LN

Your seminar was the only seminar we attended without financial advisors wanting to invest our money instead of protecting it! The information this firm provided was easy to understand even though it is a difficult topic. Thank you for all of your help!

HR

We both felt so comfortable in they way our Estate Planning was handled. We felt like someone was watching out for our best interest. Everyone we worked with at the firm was thorough, and explained everything in a way where we could walk away feeling like everything was complete.

RS

A truly great experience all the way through. Felt like we were a part of the family! Thank you.

LW

We could not have picked a more qualified law firm. Everyone that we came in contact with made us feel at ease.

Happy Client

We were very impressed with the statements put forth by Dan at the Seminar. We were impressed even more by their down to earth approach and the efficiency they accomplished it all.

Charles

Londonderry Office

Londonderry Office
One Verani Way
Londonderry, NH 03053
Phone: (603) 894-4141

See Larger Map Get Directions

Nashua Office

Nashua Office
76 Northeastern Boulevard, Unit 31B
Nashua, NH 03062
Phone: (603) 894-4141

See Larger Map Get Directions

North Andover Office

North Andover Office
231 Sutton St, Suite 1B
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone: (978) 686-4645

See Larger Map Get Directions

Woburn Office

Woburn Office
444 Washington Street, Suite 503
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (978) 969-0331

See Larger Map Get Directions

By Appointment Only

BEVERLY OFFICE

Beverly Office
900 Cummings Center Suite 204-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 969-0331

See Larger Map Get Directions

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Map

dadlawoffices_sidbr_map
  • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
  • About The American Academy
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Youtube
footer-logo

© 2021 DeBruyckere Law Offices
All Right Reseved.

Attorney Advertisement

© 2021 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.