Chapter 8 - THE EMAIL DRAFT
Eleanor hired her own attorney.
Melissa Crane.
Then an independent settlement specialist.
They reviewed:
the annuity contract,
court documents,
medical reserve,
buyout rules,
and communications from the purchaser.
One fact mattered immediately.
Any transfer of structured settlement payment rights required legal process and judicial findings under applicable state law.
It was not something Charles could complete by clicking a website.
Eleanor felt relief.
Then anger.
Melissa said:
“Good. Stay with the facts.”
The purchaser had not acted illegally merely by receiving an inquiry.
The problem was:
Who represented that Eleanor was interested?
The intake notes said:
Spouse assisting injured payee with financial decisions.
Eleanor went silent.
“Did I ever authorize him to speak for me?”
“No.”
Melissa answered:
“Then we correct the record.”
They drafted an email.
Recipients:
the purchasing company,
annuity administrator,
Eleanor’s settlement counsel,
an independent financial examiner.
Subject:
NOTICE OF NON-CONSENT AND REQUEST FOR PRESERVATION.
Attachments:
communications,
account notes,
screenshots,
the proposal,
and a timeline.
The SEND button in the foyer belonged to that email.
Melissa also asked whether Charles had access to Eleanor’s email.
“Yes. Historically.”
“Password?”
“Saved on the house computer.”
“Change it.”
Eleanor hesitated.
“That feels dramatic.”
Melissa stared.
“Your husband sent your settlement data to a buyer while having an affair.”
Eleanor changed the password.
No hacking had occurred.
No secret spyware.
May you like
Just ordinary household access that no longer matched the relationship.
Security often becomes necessary before anyone has committed a computer crime.
