Danice Akiyoshi

Trust Issues- A letter from Leona
By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

When my mother passed away she left my oldest brother in charge of her trust.  Her trust clearly states that her assets will be distributed equally among her four children.  My oldest brother is an accomplished businessman and thinks he has the right to tell the rest of us how our inheritance should be invested.  He wants to take the bulk of the money and reinvest it in real estate, making the four of us business partners. Of course he wants to manage our assets.  I am not interested in this plan.  I would like to have my portion and make my own choices.  I like a simple life and my brother puts that down saying I will live poorly in my old age if I don’t listen to him.  I don’t know why he feels this way.  I have lived decently my entire life on my income.  He is being a bully.    Please help me deal with this situation.  I do not want to be at odds with my family members.

-Leona

Dear Leona,

I am not an attorney, nor am I wise in this area of estate law, but I can help you deal with a family member who is trying to bully and manipulate you.  If he intimidates you then it would be best to put your thoughts in writing, because bullies have a way of discounting the comments of the people they perceive as their weak opponents.  Explain to your brother that you appreciate the fact that he is attempting to look after your future well being, but you are simply not interested in real estate investing.  Explain that you are looking forward to a simple life and are in no danger of ever being a burden to him or anyone else.  Ask that your portion of the estate be given to you without pause.  Once you’ve communicated clearly and also given him a back up copy of what you said in writing, he should start to see that you have no intention of being controlled by him financially or any other way.  If he doesn’t comply with your mother’s wishes then tell him you plan to hire an attorney.  Good luck in resolving this matter quickly.

-Danice Akiyoshi ND

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.