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Article Courtesy of Channel
9 WFTV Orlando
By
Daralene Jones
Published September 27, 2025
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LAKE COUNTY — A 77-year-old Lake County woman, Linda Wolner, has won a
three-year legal battle to regain her home from receivership after falling
behind on HOA dues while recovering from a fall.
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The legal dispute began when Wolner, who
was in rehabilitation, fell behind on her HOA assessments by
$480. The Plantation of Leesburg HOA filed a petition in
June 2022 to appoint a receiver to manage her property,
citing deterioration and lack of occupancy.
“It’s the saddest thing I’ve ever seen in 20 years of
helping seniors,” said Amy Cearly, Wolner’s caregiver.
Court records showed that Wolner’s property, along with
another in the 55-plus community, was cited for visual
exterior deterioration, lack of electricity, and excessive
overgrowth.
The HOA claimed all efforts to contact Wolner were
exhausted, as no one appeared to live in the home for two
consecutive months.
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Arlene Udick, an attorney, criticized the HOA’s actions, stating, “There was no
foreclosure notice from the lender so they knew somebody was paying for the
property, there was no death certificate, I call it due diligence light!”
The receiver had planned to rent out the home after performing repairs, but
Wolner continued paying the mortgage until her death a few months ago.
The judge has now ordered the receiver to account for all payments and expenses
related to the property.
During the receivership, the receiver claimed to have spent at least $40,000 on
repairs and renovations, resulting in a lien on the home that must be settled
before it can be sold.
With the judge’s recent ruling, Wolner’s caregiver, Amy Cearly, expressed hope
that Wolner can rest in peace knowing the matter has been resolved.
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