In the Matter of the Estate of: Margaret Johnsen

Estate of: Margaret Johnsen, 24PR-0302

Hearing: Motion for Sanctions Against Attorney

Date: May 27, 2026

In March 2026, the Court held an evidentiary hearing regarding the validity of a will proffered by Evelyn Johnsen Crafton. Stephen Syson objected to the will’s admission. On April 2, 2026, the Court issued a ruling admitting the will to probate.

Currently on calendar is Syson’s motion for sanctions against Crafton’s attorney, Henry Dearing. Syson argues Dearing engaged in ex parte communications with the Court’s “probate researcher.” Syson argues that during mediation, Dearing informed the mediator that “he had spoken with the Judge’s Probate Researcher,” who allegedly informed Dearing that “the Court was ‘on the side’ of his client.” (Syson Decl., ¶¶ 2, 3.)

Dearing “categorially” denies Syson’s claims and explains that during mediation, he directed the mediator to the Court’s various rulings and directives which were available to all parties “as set forth in this Court’s Probate Notes.” Dearing responds he believes Syson first learned of the probate notes during mediation.

The Court has reviewed the parties’ submissions and finds Syson has failed to show sanctions against Dearing are warranted. It appears that Syson misunderstood, or was unaware of, the Court’s procedure for publicly posting probate notes online prior to each hearing. The motion is denied.

ORDER

The motion is denied.

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