After a fall, an adult representative was appointed for a Styrian woman who lived alone. Since then, she has been fighting with her lawyer to end the representation so that she can independently dispose of her assets worth several hundreds of thousands of euros. “I want to be a free person again and donate to animals!”
Single, eager to learn and with a big heart for animals – this is how 87-year-old Valentina Leopold (name changed) from Hausmannstätten could be described. The pensioner wants to donate part of her considerable fortune of several tons of euros to animal protection associations, as she has done in the past. But this has not been possible for about two years because an adult representative was assigned to her after a fall in her home. She no longer has access to her money and only receives monthly pocket money.
“It’s humiliating”
In the course of a psychiatric report by a court expert commissioned by the Graz-Ost District Court, it was determined that Leopold suffered from dementia. According to this report, she has deficits in the areas of orientation, attention and short-term memory. As a result, she is no longer able to make major decisions independently. However, before adulthood, she managed her life as a single elderly person very well, the older woman said. “I have been an animal lover all my life. “That is why I want to continue to support animal welfare associations financially,” she says.
In the battle against custody, Graz lawyer Karin Prutsch-Lang provides her with legal support. “It is a shame to have to ask for pocket money and no longer be allowed to make decisions,” says the elderly person, describing the enormous impact on her daily life. Contrary to the court report, a private report by Viennese neurologist and psychiatrist Udo Zifko showed no signs of mental illness or impaired decision-making. In November 2023, numerous tests were again carried out at the State Hospital of the Medical University of Graz, which arrived at the same result. Leopold even appeared to perform above average in the areas of short- and long-term memory compared to her age group.
Perseverance despite various setbacks
Valentina Leopold’s case has already ended up at the Supreme Court three times. The representation of adults was confirmed each time. However, the lawyer and her client do not want to give up. Therefore, new psychiatric tests must be carried out again at the LSF Graz and a new application must be submitted to the district court. “I hope it works. That is my great wish,” said the senior.
What is also remarkable is the fact that the older lady has very good access to her will. “Mrs. Leopold can no longer dispose of her assets during her lifetime, but she has the right to decide what happens to her money after her death,” Prutsch-Lang explains the contradictory situation. The lawyer hopes that the new report, which is due to be prepared soon, will yield a positive outcome for her client and that the adult representation can be withdrawn.
Those responsible in the case were not available for comment today at the Graz-Ost court.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
