Chapter 4 - THE CHILDREN'S TRUST
Grant’s father had created the Whitmore Descendant Trust.
Separate from Grant’s personal estate.
Beneficiaries:
Ethan.
Ben.
Current combined value:
approximately $8.6 million.
Grant was primary family trustee.
An independent bank served as co-trustee.
If Grant died or became incapacitated, the surviving legal guardian could request distributions for:
education,
health,
housing,
caregiving,
security,
and extraordinary developmental needs.
Julia was not automatic trustee.
But as stepmother and temporary guardian, she could petition for expense authority.
That was what she had done.
Attorney Rachel Sloan showed Grant the requests.
Monthly household allocation requested:
$19,500.
Security:
$8,000.
Educational support:
$6,500.
Therapeutic support:
$4,000.
Specialized caregiving:
$7,200.
Total potential annual draw:
more than $540,000.
Grant stared.
“For two children?”
Rachel said:
“Requested. Not approved in full.”
The bank had approved:
temporary education,
security,
and limited household support.
Then delayed the rest pending review.
Why?
Molly had contacted the bank’s trust officer after being fired.
She said:
“The children are grieving, not disabled.”
Julia glared.
“She had no right.”
Grant answered:
“She had every right to report concern.”
Julia’s face hardened.
Then Grant noticed something.
One requested vendor:
Whitmore Family Stabilization Services.
He had never heard of it.
Owner:
May you like
Vanessa Cole.
Julia’s younger sister.
