Chapter 16 - The sons’ counterattack
Daniel and Marcus jointly filed a petition challenging my estate changes before they were even final.
Technically, they sought a conservatorship over certain business rights and alleged undue influence by Thomas and Evelyn.
Their evidence:
Heart attack.
Public bankruptcy.
New relationship with homeless veteran.
Estrangement from sons.
Proposed change in corporate succession.
My age.
My anger.
Not absurd.
Weak after evaluation.
Still serious.
Thomas was deposed.
Lawyer asked:
“Mr. Reed, how much money has Arthur Whitmore given you?”
“Two lunches.”
“Any cash?”
“No.”
“Housing?”
“No.”
“Employment?”
“No.”
“Legal fees?”
“His lawyer offered counsel when reporters contacted my daughter. I declined after one consultation.”
“Do you expect to inherit?”
“No.”
“Have you been told you may?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you want?”
Thomas leaned back.
“To go home.”
I heard about that later.
Evelyn called it:
“Very effective.”
Capacity evidence held.
Independent counsel documented plan.
The petition failed.
Not because sons were evil.
Because evidence did not support incapacity.
Daniel appealed one procedural issue.
Lost.
May you like
Legal systems are less dramatic than family shouting.
Thank God.
