Only in the real life would I need to consult with an attorney to see if my attorney is being fair in his leanings against my case (and in agreement then with the estate attorney who is representing a single party rather than the estate, which is why I had to hire my own attorney) or just totally insane and if I need to replace him with a third attorney (the first one’s a probate judge and can’t represent me in probate court, but I trust his knowledge and sense of justice). All I need is someone who understands the law, who can read, and who can be honest and forthright with me enough to say, "Susan, you’re wrong," or "Susan, you’re being a jerk," and if he feels I’m right and only seeking what’s fair, to help me fight for it.
Just to show what I’m up against: The executrix filed original probate court papers listing a total value of all furniture and furnishings as $1000. She had someone do some work on the house and supposedly they shut the furnace off which resulted in freezing and broken pipes and water damage in one of the rooms. She then takes two items, the draperies and an oriental rug (which she’s claimed for herself–she got all the furniture, except one bedroom set and a sewing machine), to have them dried out at a cost of $871.00 at an expense to the estate. Is this fair and honest to her sisters? Is this reasonable and prudent? And this is just one of a hundred piddly things, besides the biggies that are being pulled.
I have questioned myself every step of the way on this; am I being greedy, am I being inflexible, am I being unsympathetic…but among friends it is easy to get confirmation or suggestions. What I need to know is if I am honestly fighting against unethical behavior and if it is within the law as to how I am interpreting written contracts and other legal papers.
Between this holy mess that’s been going on for two years and recent events, I’m about to call it a day. I’m sick of seeing man’s nature as underhanded and self-serving. It is not what I used to believe…
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
I wish I had some good legal advice for you Susan; but go with your gut on this. Do what works best for you.
Susan, I don’t think it’s a question of whether you are “legally right”. You call a spade a spade. It’s not right, it’s not fair, and it sounds like it’s all tied up in the familial relationships which further drive us crazy.
You have to decide how much you can stomach.
Well I’ve decided to seek out professional guidance so that I can willingly compromise and feel trust again in others.
I couldn’t “stomach” much more without help.