Paul paid himself for work that wasn’t necessary or wasn’t done, his siblings alleged in court filings. They said his self-dealing was an obvious conflict of interest. On March 21, Orange County Probate Judge Bernard Lewis effectively removed Paul from control of Miriam Thomas’ finances, though he will continue to act on his mother’s behalf on medical and nonfinancial issues.

Lewis’ order says he will replace Paul with a “neutral third party” who will serve as financial guardian. The order doesn’t accuse Paul of theft, but the judge made it clear that the “sloppy or incomplete” financial records Paul filed for Miriam’s estate made it impossible to figure out what he was doing with her money.

Although Bruce and his two siblings ultimately got what they were asking for, Bruce said their long fight illustrates Vermont’s weak oversight of guardians. He is seeking action by the state legislature to toughen relevant laws.