Chapter 8 - LILY’S TRUST CHANGES
After the trials, we restructured Lily’s trust again.
Not because Veronica had almost “taken it.”
She never had that automatic power.
Because we learned that family wealth creates strange incentives when boundaries are vague.
Independent professional trustee remained primary.
Neither Ethan nor I could unilaterally change beneficiaries.
Guardianship would not automatically alter financial control.
Distributions required clear standards.
Successor guardians were nominated in writing.
Not Veronica.
Not any relative by default.
Our choices:
My sister Rachel.
Ethan’s longtime friend Daniel Mercer.
Both had to agree to independent trust administration.
Boring.
Excellent.
When our attorney finished explaining, Ethan said:
“This is the least romantic conversation I’ve ever had.”
I replied:
“Our daughter’s money should be boring.”
Exactly.
We also changed our wills.
Medical directives.
Emergency contacts.
Household employment screening.
Nobody entered our home because a relative “knew somebody.”
Trust became a process.
May you like
Not an insult.
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