“He filed his first challenge eight years ago,” Hale said, sliding a folder across the desk.
“Eleanor was still living independently at that point.
She retained me specifically to defend the trust against his claim.”
I opened the folder.
Legal correspondence, dense and formal.
Douglas Marsh’s name appeared on every page.
“What’s his argument?” I asked.
“That the trust was established under duress by his grandmother, who was in cognitive decline at the time.
That the beneficiary — you — cannot be verified with sufficient certainty.
And that as the only surviving Marsh heir, the assets should revert to him upon Eleanor’s death.” Hale paused.
“He has a lawyer who is very good at making weak arguments sound procedurally complicated.”
“And Eleanor’s death — does that change anything?”
“It accelerates his timeline.
He’s been waiting for it.” Hale’s expression was measured.
“I received a letter from his attorney yesterday morning.
They are filing a formal challenge within thirty days.”
