Chapter 6 - MOM GETS HER OWN LAWYER
James Porter had represented Dad for twenty-one years.
That meant he was not going to represent Mom.
I insisted.
Daniel called it dramatic.
I called it avoiding obvious conflict.
Mom hired an elder-law attorney named Susan Ellis.
Fifty-eight.
Silver glasses.
Zero patience for sons explaining their mother’s finances while their mother was sitting in the room.
Daniel learned that quickly.
Our first meeting included all four of us.
Susan looked directly at Mom.
“What do you want?”
Daniel answered.
“We’re trying to figure out—”
Susan raised one finger.
“I asked Margaret.”
Daniel stopped.
Mom sat straighter.
“I want to stay independent.”
“What does that mean to you?”
“I don’t want Rachel quitting her job.”
I looked down.
Mom continued.
“I want help when I need it.”
“Do you want to remain in your house?”
Mom hesitated.
That surprised all of us.
“I don’t know.”
Daniel immediately leaned forward.
“You can’t sell the house.”
Susan turned.
“Why not?”
“That’s our family home.”
“Whose name is on it?”
“Mom’s.”
“Then it is Margaret’s home.”
Daniel flushed.
“But eventually—”
Susan’s expression changed.
“Eventually what?”
He stopped.
Mom had heard it too.
Eventually it becomes ours.
People speak differently when they believe an older person’s assets are simply delayed inheritance.
Mom folded her hands.
“The stairs are getting harder.”
Susan nodded.
“Then we explore options.”
Daniel looked horrified.
“You’d really sell Dad’s house?”
Mom turned toward him.
“Your father is dead, Daniel.”
Silence.
“I am still here.”
Nobody had anything intelligent to say after that.
Susan reviewed Mom’s finances.
Dad’s pension survivor benefit.
Social Security.
A joint brokerage account that passed entirely to Mom.
Cash savings.
The house.
Mom was not wealthy.
But she was not helpless.
With sensible planning, she could fund significant support without becoming financially dependent on any of us.
May you like
My brothers looked disappointed.
That told me more than they realized.
