Property Destruction Legal Remedies

Summary

The users property was destroyed by a bulldozer and set on fire by the father of the person who bought the land from their grandmother. The grandmother sold the property without the knowledge of the users mother, who held a power of attorney. The user has photos and witnesses as evidence. The user is seeking legal aid to pursue a case for property destruction and violation of power of attorney. The user is also dealing with financial hardship and health issues. The user is considering applying for SSDI or SSI benefits and is seeking housing assistance.

Full Conversation

Three years ago in * our grandmother sold the property we were living on the house we lived in was ours. The guy who bought the property his dad drove his bulldozer through our house and then set it on fire. Also there is a poa paper that our grandmother and mother had made that she was to sell anything without our mothers knowledge
What state did this occur in? Depending on the state, destruction of property and violation of a power of attorney can have different legal implications.
Indiana
What evidence do you have to support your claim? In Indiana, destruction of property is a criminal offense and violation of a power of attorney can lead to civil litigation.
Photos the poa paper the police had gotten called when they tore it down they wouldn't let me get any of our stuff
What actions have you taken so far regarding this issue? In Indiana, you may have grounds for both criminal and civil cases.
None I called the cops when he tore it down and they said he wouldn't let me get my things
Have you contacted a lawyer to discuss potential civil litigation for violation of the power of attorney and destruction of property?
Been trying to find a lawyer just now got bk to working
What is your location? I can help you find a local lawyer or legal aid service.
Batesville Indiana
What is the name of the person who destroyed your property?

For legal assistance in Batesville, Indiana, you can contact Southeastern Indiana Legal Services at (*) *-*.
Marshell Cameron his son is the one who bought the property and allowed his dad to tare it down. We didn't get a eviction notice or anything.
Did you receive any written or verbal agreement from Marshell Cameron or his son about your stay on the property after the sale?
No we didn't see any paperwork until after they tore it down and we contacted there lawyer when we finally got the paperwork and he never responded bk
Did you manage to save the paperwork you received after the incident? It could be crucial for your case.
Yes
What is the nature of the paperwork you received after the incident?
I have down collected all the paperwork that the lawyer should need it seems like every time I call. A lawyer and give his name they won't take it and I don't know why. All this happened during covid when no one was auposed to be evicted or put out of there homes
What is the name of the lawyer you've been trying to contact? It's important to know if there's a conflict of interest. In Indiana, lawyers can't represent both parties in a dispute.
Goulde law office in rushville Indiana they said marshell Cameron wouldnt do something like that
What is the exact nature of the Power of Attorney (POA) document you have?
It says that Mildred Robertson(our grandmother) is not to buy or sell any property without rose waters(our mother,her daughters) knowledge. I am pretty sure that is how it is worded I would have to find the paper to find exact wording
Did your mother, Rose Waters, give consent to the sale of the property?
No according to her she knew nothing of it
What steps have you taken to report the violation of the Power of Attorney to the authorities?
Who would the authorities be
The authorities in this context would typically be the local police department or the district attorney's office. Have you reported this to either of them?
Rose spoke with an attorney. And they said that because Mildred lived on her own that the poa was not effective. They had it drawn up because her mind isn't the best.
What is the mental condition of Mildred Robertson currently? It's important as it can affect the validity of the Power of Attorney.
She lives in like an elderly apartment place. She is slipping a lil here and there. They said she pays her own. Bills so the paper didn't matter but her bills are taken out of her account automatically
What steps have you taken to ensure Mildred Robertson's financial and personal well-being, given her mental condition?
Her daughter is in charge of all that she lives on her own and is still able to take care of her self
Who is the daughter in charge of Mildred Robertson's affairs and does she have a legal power of attorney?
Rose waters and yes there is a paper drawn up from a lawyer
What is the exact wording of the Power of Attorney document that Rose Waters has for Mildred Robertson?
This may take a sec to find
Sure, take your time. It's important to understand the exact wording of the Power of Attorney document to assess its validity and implications.
I am still working on finding it
What is the timeline of events? When was the property sold, when was it destroyed, and when did you discover the Power of Attorney document?
It was the Monday after Easter * when they signed on the property. It was destroyed in May of * and the poa paperwork was drawn up a few years before any of this and we didn't find about the poa paperwork until after the everything
What actions did Marshell Cameron or his son take after destroying the property?
Nothing they wouldn't let me gather any of my belongings that were scattered around my husband was in the hospital also when this happened. After he ran his bulldozer through our home marshel then set fire to the Mobil howm with everything in it the power was still on and everything
Did you report the destruction and subsequent fire of your property to the police or fire department?
The distriction yea the fire happened the next night my niece saw that happen
Did your niece report the fire to the fire department or police, and if so, do you have a copy of the report?
No she did not
Why didn't your niece report the fire to the authorities? It's crucial to report such incidents for legal documentation and potential investigation.
I don't know
What is the current status of the property? Is it still owned by Marshell Cameron's son?
Yes it is and there is now a big pile barn on it
What actions have Marshell Cameron or his son taken regarding the property since the barn was built?
I don't know what u need
What is the current status of your communication with Marshell Cameron or his son?
None
What is the current living situation for you and your family after the destruction of your property?
Well when they destroyed it our son had to go stay with his uncle so he could finish is sr year of highschool because me and my husband had to move into a camper and have lived in several different family and friends yrd. Only our son had a job when the prop got distroyes and was the only one with a vehicle my husband has been very sick and in and it od the hospital
What steps have you taken to seek compensation for the loss of your property and the subsequent hardship you and your family have faced?
We tried to get a lawyer to take the case to hopefully get some kind of compensation but cannot find one and haven't had money to pay for one really don't know where to start
What steps have you taken to seek legal aid or pro bono services in your area? In Indiana, there are organizations that provide free legal services to those who qualify based on income.
I haven't been able to find any pro Bono and I didn't onow that they did incone based because I just started working again and I don't even make enough to even make it to the next payday
What is your current income level? This information can help determine your eligibility for income-based legal aid services.
About * a month roughly
What is your current employment status and are there any other sources of income for your family?
I am employed part time less then * hrs a week and we get food stamps. My husband isn't employed and can only work when he is feeling ok we are still trying to find out what's going on with him
What kind of medical condition does your husband have and has he applied for disability benefits?
We are not a
What is the nature of your husband's medical condition and has he applied for disability benefits?
Sure of the condition his stomach stops working where the stomach and intestines meet will swell up
Has your husband consulted a doctor for his condition and considered applying for disability benefits?
I haven't been able to work much due to my own prob I have degenerative disc desease and my knee cap will pop out of place on me and cause me to be able to walk
Have you considered applying for disability benefits due to your degenerative disc disease and knee condition?
He has consulted a doc and no inwasnt sure if he would able to he hasn't worked for about three years
Has your husband applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? These programs could potentially provide financial assistance.
I am thinking of doing that
That's a good idea. Applying for SSDI or SSI could provide some financial relief. Do you need information on how to apply?
Yes please and I will talk to o him about it for himself
You can apply for SSDI or SSI benefits online at www.ssa.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration at *-*-*-*.
Do I have to stop working to apply
No, you don't have to stop working to apply for SSDI or SSI. However, there are income limits. If you earn too much, you may not qualify.
Pretty sure I don't make to much
What is the exact amount you earn monthly? This information is crucial to determine your eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits.
My hours very but I am saying I don't make over * a month
Have you applied for any public assistance programs, such as Medicaid or housing assistance, given your current financial situation?
We have the states insurance and haven't tried housing assistance not sure how that works. I have been so depressed and stressed out over all this
What is the nature of your current housing situation? Are you currently renting or living with friends or family?
We are currently living in my parents bk yard and inexchange I help out when I can with cleanib there house or lawn upkeep or if mom needs a ride to doctor
Have you considered applying for housing assistance programs like Section * or public housing in Indiana?
I thought about it I have two dogs and an aprtment wouldn't work I been trying to find houses that look empty and find the last knowen owner and see if they are interested in letting it go
What steps have you taken to legally acquire these empty houses you're interested in?
None just try to find the owners and see if the would rent lease land contract or sell for super cheap
What is the response you've received from the owners of these empty houses?

In Indiana, you can use the county assessor's website to find property owner information.
Either they don't answer there phones or they say no there doing something with one guy said he wanted *,* cash. I can't get a loan I have no credit and well banks won't loan to you If you don't make much
Have you considered reaching out to local non-profit organizations or charities that might be able to provide temporary housing or financial assistance?
Don't know of any
In Batesville, Indiana, you can reach out to the Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE) at (*) *-*. They provide various assistance programs including housing.
Ok
What is the current status of your health insurance? Are you covered under any plan?

In Indiana, you may be eligible for Medicaid or the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) based on your income.
We have health insurance I am prettt sure I have to pay loke *$ a month
What type of health insurance do you have? Depending on the type, there might be different rules and benefits available to you.
Hip Indiana's insurance
What are the benefits provided by your current health insurance plan, HIP Indiana?
Sorry phone died
No problem, ****. Can you please tell me more about the property destruction and violation of the power of attorney issue?
Is there a statue of limitations regarding this
What is the state you are in? The statute of limitations for property destruction and violation of power of attorney varies by state.
Indiana
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for property destruction is 2 years and for violation of power of attorney, it's 6 years.
And if I get disconnected with you all will I have to restart this whole conversation again
No, you won't have to restart the conversation. Our system saves chat history, so we can pick up where we left off.
Science it happened during covid when they had us on lock down could I still do something on the distriction.
Did the incident occur within the last 2 years? If so, you may still be able to take legal action for property destruction in Indiana.
It happened in May of *
Since the incident occurred in May *, you are still within the *-year statute of limitations for property destruction in Indiana. You can proceed with legal action.
Ok thank u I will give that number a call tomorrow I should be able to go after the son the property owner and the father for the criminal distriction
Who are you planning to call? It's important to consult with a legal professional before taking any action.
The legal aid number you all gave me I also have a number for a local lawyer Kellermans law office
That's a good step. Do you need any more information about the process or any other legal advice?
I don't think so I am happy I connected with and I will start with the number u all gave me and hopefully they can get aomethig started I mean they need punished u can't just go around tking things from people like that
That's great to hear, ****. Remember, it's important to gather all relevant evidence for your case. Do you have all the necessary documents and evidence?
We never even got the paperwork from there lawyer till after he tore everything down
What type of paperwork are you referring to and when was the property destroyed in relation to when you received the paperwork?
It was destroyed 28 days after we verbally got told they were signing on it. We didn't see any papers from there lawyer for a month and a half.andbthen we saw where it said they could take immediate possion of the prop but that marshell and my husband had to come to an written agreement on what to do withe the hospital
Did you or your husband sign any written agreement with them regarding the property before or after the destruction?
No
What state are you in? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding property destruction and power of attorney laws.
Indiana
What actions have you taken since discovering the property destruction and the violation of the power of attorney?
I have already discussed this w u.inttied to get a lawyer they said that he wouldn't do that because every lawyer around knows him and they say they can't take the case. my mother in law.trwd
Have you considered reaching out to a lawyer outside of your immediate area or using a legal aid service?
You guys have me a nu
What is the full context of "You guys have me a nu"? Are you referring to a number or something else?
You guys have me a number
Are you referring to a contact number for a lawyer or legal aid service?
Yes
What happened when you contacted the number we provided?
I haven't yet
Why haven't you contacted the number we provided yet?
Because it was after hrs and I had to work was going to Mon
What is the current status of the property and have you documented the destruction for evidence?
Yes it is vacant and they have built a huge pole barn on it
What actions have the other party taken regarding the property since the construction of the pole barn?
None
What is the nature of the written agreement mentioned in the paperwork you received from their lawyer?
Never made one.wnd why would he have tomake agreement with father when the son is the one that Bo ght the land
What was the nature of the relationship between your husband and the person who bought the land?
They are cousins we don't speak to them at all
What is the reason for the dispute over the property?
His grandma sold it without telling us or her poa and then the buyer allowed his dad toml run his.bulldozer throigh it with everything we owen it that is after he went into my home and too out what he wanted to keep. He bought the prop * not the house *!
What actions have you taken to address the issue of your belongings being taken and the property being destroyed?
And the one that destroyed it wasn't thenone that bought it
What evidence do you have to prove that the person who destroyed the property is not the one who bought it?
I called the cops to try and gather what I could they wouldn't let me have anything so then the buyers dad set fire it
What evidence do you have of the fire and did you report it to the police?
Photos witnesses
What actions did the police take after you reported the fire and provided them with photos and witnesses?
And he was coming and doing things in the yard before the final 30 days
What actions did you take after noticing he was doing things in the yard before the final 30 days?
I didnt provide photos or witnesses to thehkl
Why didn't you provide photos or witnesses to the police?
I called them when he tore it down they saw
What was the police's response when they saw the destruction?
They said they couldn't do anything because it was civil not criminal. I said so I can run my car through someone house and theren ain't nothing you can do to me that it is legal
What evidence do you have to prove that the property was destroyed before the final agreement was signed?
Photos and witnesses and the property hadn't even changed names yet it was during covid
What is the current status of your legal representation? Have you been able to contact a lawyer or legal aid service?
No
What steps have you taken to protect your rights since the property was destroyed?
And
What steps have you taken to protect your rights since the property was destroyed?
Don't have any
What steps are you planning to take next to resolve this issue?
Get a lawyer and try to get the pro
What type of lawyer are you planning to hire and what is your plan to gather evidence for your case?
Prop bk and sue for criminal and civil
What specific damages are you seeking to recover in your civil lawsuit?
Civil I think
What evidence do you have to support your claim for damages in your civil lawsuit?
Photos
What specific items or property were destroyed and what is their estimated value?
Shoot my house trailer my couches tvs kitchen appliances two wood stove cloths2 bedroom suites and kitchen table washet dryer curtains towels wash cloths jewelry guns food computers video game systems
What is the estimated total value of the items that were destroyed?
Over *,*
What steps have you taken to document the value of the items that were destroyed?
I made a list of what I could remember. The house itself is valued at *,*
What evidence do you have to prove the value of the house and the items that were destroyed?
The hpuse assessor paperwork. The items I made. A list
What is the current status of the property according to the house assessor's paperwork?
I don't understand
What is the current status of the property according to the county property records?
Idk
What is the current status of the property according to the county property records?
What do u want to know if someone lives on it
Yes, I would like to know if someone is currently living on the property.
No
What steps have you taken to dispute the sale of the property, considering you mentioned it was sold without informing you or the power of attorney?
Tryed to have lawyer take it she said it was small claims
What was the reason given by the lawyer for considering it a small claims case?
My mother in law only informed her of a few items of value I want the prop bk
What steps have you taken to prove that the property was sold without your knowledge or consent?
Don't know how
What evidence do you have to show that you were not informed about the sale of the property?
The fact that we were all shocked they bullyef her into selling it
What evidence do you have to prove that she was bullied into selling the property?
Others in oye town that have tried to do the same to
What evidence do these others have that could support your claim of coercion in the property sale?
They kept calling county and complaining about the prop so our grandna would get letters and ah
What kind of complaints were they making to the county about the property?
That we didnt mow and had junk in yard
What actions did the county take in response to these complaints about the property?
Sent grandma papers saying to clean it up or tht would do it and charge her. And we cleaned it up the buyers had told her that it looked bad on her name and id she just so
What evidence do you have that the buyers pressured your grandmother into selling the property?
I know she wouldn't have done It atleast not how she did. Because the teailer was just given to us three months prior and that woulsn
What evidence do you have to prove that the trailer was given to you three months prior to the sale of the property?
Wouldny have happened if she was planning on selling it
What evidence do you have to prove that the trailer was given to you before the property was sold?
Paperwork that qe signed
What does the paperwork state and do you have a copy of it? It's crucial to have all documents related to property transactions as they can serve as evidence in legal disputes.
Yes I have a copy it is where we teansferwd the title at the BMV and then went to court house and transfered it from my mother's in-laws name to ours
What is the date on the title transfer documents? This could be crucial in establishing a timeline for your case.
Feb *
What actions have been taken since the title transfer in February *?
Well we lived there found out Easter that she sold the land and they were signing on it on that Mon and by May it was destroyed he shut
What actions have you taken since the property was destroyed in May?
He cut off out electric wire that ran the well pump also
What actions did you take after he cut off the electric wire that ran the well pump?
Told him and we re wired it. One day he had his truck parked in front of our door so we couldn't leave and was out I the yard messing around l day keeping our son awake who was * and working 2nd 3rd shift and going to high school
What actions did you take when he parked his truck in front of your door, preventing you from leaving?
Told him that he been there lo g enough and he got anger and said you ain't gu na bully
What actions did you take after this confrontation? Did you report this incident to the police?
Me
What was the police's response when you reported this incident?
And pulledca gun on my husband
Did you report the incident of the gun being pulled on your husband to the police?
No we called mother in law and she told him to stop and not to come bk until our 30 days
We shouldn't have been put out due to covid
Heck we should t have period
I have my mother in law d
Son nice and few neighbors as witnesses