AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s judge has made a major ruling in his request to seal health and financial records in his conservatorship case following his stroke.
Frank, 60, suffered a stroke in July 2022 and has been under conservatorship and guardianship since August of that same year.
4
4
The U.S. Sun previously reportedaNotice of Delinquency for Conservatorships was filedon December 1, 2023 after guardian Chris Davis and/or Conservator Midwest One Bank failed to file an annual report that was due on November 12, 2023.
The American Pickers alum's conservator and guardian requested for the annual report to be sealed on January 17.
Now, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal an Iowa judge approved the request, and the annual report and related documents are to be filed at “security level three.”
In the Joint Motion to File Under Seal previously obtained by The U.S. Sun, Guardian Chris claimed an annual report for Frank's health and welfare has been completed.
Read more on American Pickers
Conservator Midwestone Bank said they completed the annual report on Frank’s real property and monetary assets.
Because Frank is a “well-known celebrity,” the guardian, conservator and Frank “all jointly request that the court allow the annual reports to be filed under seal to protect the Protected Person’s privacy and estate," the court papers read.
The 2023 annual report was filed nearly two months late, as penalties for failing to file the annual report include: “A report being made to the presiding judge. The fiduciary(ies) being subject to removal.
“A report being made to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and the Administrator of the Judicial Branch. And a report being made to the Committee on Professional Ethics and Conduct (which may result in disciplinary action being taken).”
Most read in Celebrity
NO ANGELS Live updates as Justin Timberlake charged with DWI after Sag Harbor arrest
HAMPTONS HANGOVER Justin Timberlake dons shades leaving police station after DWI arrest
SECOND CHANCE Brad Pitt wants kids with girlfriend as actor struggles with eldest children
INKED UP Angelina Jolie's new tattoo peeks out from her strapless dress at Tony Awards
SECOND WARNING
This is the second time theconservator and/or guardian failed to filethe proper paperwork by the due date.
The U.S. Sun previously reported a “Notice of Delinquency for Conservatorships" was filed on June 2, 2023.
An inventory report was not filed by the due date of December 12, 2022.
The report was filed later that month.
UNDER CONSERVATORSHIP
The U.S. Sunbroke the news that the conservatorshipwas filed in August 2022.
The documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read, “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.
“Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”
An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, allegedly confirming Frank does not have decisional capacity.
The legal papers continued, “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries.
“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”
The Petitioner requested a separate longtime friend of Frank’s, who has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke, be his guardian.
The Guardian has helped Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment and continued physical therapy.
He has also helped the former American Pickers star grocery shop, cook, and get him to any activity he feels up to doing.
GETTING WELL
Frankhas improved today, as his pal previously told The U.S. Sun, “Frank continues to improve daily. You’re never 100 percent after a stroke, but he’s fine. He’s aware of what’s going on.
"If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He’s the same old Frank.”
Frank was wheelchair-bound after suffering the stroke and even had aramp installed outside his Iowa home.
The friend shared, “He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances.
“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”
Frank is a “private person” and “enjoys being totally out of the limelight.”
The friend said the biggest misconception about Frank is his health.
The source said, “He’s had a stroke, but he’s definitely not debilitated to the point where he can’t do anything or do whatever he wants. He doesn’t have any problems with that. It’s just a change of lifestyle and it slowed him down.
“He’s the same old Frank. He has a good attitude and a great sense of humor. His mindset is positive. We crack jokes all the time. You gotta make the best of the situation so he’s come to terms with all of that.
“His mind is right, he’s a happy guy and his sense of humor is there.”
He added that the conservatorship is “temporary.”
FRANK'S WILL
The U.S. Sun previously reported Frank’slawyer filed a "will prior to death"on October 11, 2023.
The filing was made to “safe keep” the American Pickers star’s will, according toIowacourts.
An Iowa judge has reviewed and accepted the will.
Frank is estimated to have a $6millionnet worth.
MISSING FRANK
Franklast appeared on American Pickerson a March 2020 episode.
The U.S. Sun previously reported Frank is unable to return to the showover one year after suffering the stroke.
A source close to Frank told The U.S. Sun, “The stroke affected his speech, so he really can’t return to the show.
“But you never know, there is always hope one day.”
Read More on The US Sun
A second insider told The U.S. Sun, “He can’t come back and film, but the cast and show want him to.”
The show now stars Mike Wolfe, his brother Robbie, Danielle Colby and Jon “Jersey Jon” Szalay.
4
4
