Then I called my attorney.
My attorney’s name is Patricia, and she has represented me on contract matters for 4 years.
She is precise and calm, and she does not alarm easily.
When I explained the situation to her, she was quiet for a moment.
“Has anyone filed anything?” she asked.
“Not that I know of.”
“Good. Then we move first.”
She paused.
“Did he actually change any designations?”
I had already checked.
He had not.
The life insurance, the retirement accounts, the investment portfolio, everything still listed me as primary beneficiary.
Whatever he had talked about wanting to do, he had not done it.
“He talked,” I said. “He didn’t act.”
“Then you’re in a strong position,” Patricia said. “Let’s keep it that way.”
The funeral conversation came to a head on a Thursday evening.
My mother-in-law called and told me the deposit for the funeral home was due by Friday.
