His nephew’s request for an accounting of his father’s estate and the trust set up on his behalf is unnecessary and harassing because that information has been and is provided every month, the brother of the late Dr. Robert “Fred” Mullins contends.
In an answer to a petition filed in Columbia County Probate Court, Dewitt “Frank” Mullins contends his nephew Houston Mullins has been duped into making allegations against him. The answer was filed Monday, Aug. 15.
Dr. Mullins died June 14, 2020. He had served as the medical director of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital. The medical practice of the JMS Burn Center has been managed and administered by a company set up by Dr. Mullins and Dr. Abu Zaheed Hassan, the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.
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After Dr. Mullins’ death, his brother Frank Mullins became the executor of his estate and the trustee for trusts that Dr. Mullins established for his wife and two children.
In May, cross complaints were filed by Frank Mullins and the medical practices over who should control the businesses. A July 7 temporary court order replaced Frank Mullins at Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America with Buzzy Johnson, an accountant, and the former manager of the Augusta National.
Dr. Mullins’ son, Houston Mullins, filed two petitions in July. One seeks to have the right to determine who serves as trustee of the trust established by his father, and the second seeks an accounting of his father’s estate.
“Since June 2020, Frank has worked tirelessly in the face of uncertainty, adversity and willful sabotage in both his personal and professional interactions,” according to Frank Mullins’ answer filed this week.
Frank Mullins had been his brother’s business partner and “most trusted advisor,” and he had complete confidence in Frank Mullins’ character and business acumen when he named Frank Mullins to manage the estate and operate the trusts. Dr. Mullins intended for him to serve in different capacities at the same time, which was approved by the probate court and Houston Mullins, according to the answer.
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Frank Mullins has “Faithfully and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the mission of preserving and embracing the value of the trusts and his brother’s legacy.”
Part of that mission has been providing his nephew with constant, detailed information about the financial status of the estate and trust, according to the answer. Houston Mullins has been provided many reports and opportunities to meet with Frank Mullins and the accountants, but Houston Mullins has shown no interest, the answer states. He also has complete access to the estate’s Google Drive, according to the answer filed on Frank Mullins behalf.
Frank Mullins seeks for his nephew’s petition to be denied and to be awarded attorney fees because of the allegedly groundless claims raised.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
