Chapter 13 - First Mountain Trust
The trust officer, Natalie Park, reviewed Drusilla’s planned reimbursement request.
Not my late wife Natalie; avoid name collision. Rename trust officer Caroline Park.
Caroline explained:
“The trust is not a custody fund.”
Good.
“If Elowen lawfully lives with a caregiver, the trust may support her there.”
“Could it pay Drusilla $2,900 a month?”
“Not automatically.”
“Housing?”
“Incremental or appropriately allocated costs, depending circumstances.”
“Caregiver stipend?”
“Possibly only if reasonable, documented, and allowed under terms. Relative self-benefit requires enhanced review.”
“Could she become trustee?”
“No.”
“Could she access principal?”
“No.”
There.
Drusilla’s plan had exaggerated financial control.
Even if she obtained weekday care:
First Mountain remained trustee.
I remained father.
No automatic trust transfer.
Then current trust.
Initial after Natalie’s death:
$642,000.
Current:
$671,000 after investment gains and distributions.
Protected.
Used for:
Grief therapy.
Education.
Medical.
No misuse.
Drusilla had never received money.
Good.
Then my own blind spot.
I thought because professional trustee existed, I did not need to understand details.
I was repeating financial outsourcing pattern.
Caroline walked me through:
Income.
Principal.
Distribution standards.
Beneficiary rights.
Caregiver reimbursements.
Annual statements.
No secret.
Just documents I had ignored.
Then I asked:
“If I die?”
Trust continues.
Guardian of person would be separate question.
Colin first nominee in will.
Drusilla second.
I removed Drusilla as successor guardian nominee.
Not out of revenge.
Because current conduct made her unsuitable.
I named:
Colin and Beth first.
My sister Anne Carter second.
No trust control.
Professional trustee remains.
Then I told Colin.
He said:
“I’m never letting you get on an airplane again.”
“Not how guardianship works.”
He laughed.
But then became serious.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
Estate planning is not prophecy.
It is contingency.
May you like
I signed.
Read every page.
