Greedy Relatives Move in for the kill
BY ELISSA BERNSTEIN

“I’m very sorry about your wife. She was lovely.” Fred’s cousin offered her condolences.

“She was my best friend,” Fred sighed. “Uh…do I know you?”

“I’m your first cousin Eleanor!”

“Of course,” Fred tried to hide his confusion.

Eleanor whispered to her husband. “I’m concerned. Some people who have dementia give all their money to the cleaning lady.”

Eleanor turned to Fred, “Can I help you with your banking?”

Fred smiled. “Jeffrey handles everything. He flew down here to take care of Abigail and me a few months ago. We’ve known the young man since he was a baby. He’s been wonderful, especially during these past few weeks…”

A few hours later, the house was quiet.

Jeffrey started clearing the dishes.

“I guess you’ll be flying back home,” Fred’s voice was sad.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily!” Jeffrey smiled.

Fred’s eyes lit up. “Thank you.”

Weeks later, Jeffrey found Fred muttering in the dark.

“There’s nothing to live for without Abigail.”

Jeffrey raised the blinds. “We’re playing croquet followed by lunch at the club.”

“But, I’m in mourning.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t play croquet,” Jeffrey said.

After the game, Fred’s face was flush with excitement. “Thank you, Jeffrey. I almost feel like my old self again. Abigail would have been very grateful.”

“You can thank me with a rematch.”

“You’re on.” Fred slowly put down his sandwich. “Jeffrey, I’ve decided to change my will. I want you to be my heir.”

Jeffrey objected. “But what about your family?”

“They never call, let alone visit. You’re my real family, Jeffrey.”

“I’m just glad I could help, Fred. You were always there for my family.”

“Enough serious talk! Pass me the menu. I want some lunch.” Jeffrey smiled gently. “We just had lunch.”

Fred shook his head. “I wonder what will last longer…me or my

mind?”

Six months later, Fred passed

away.

The relatives were outraged that

all his money went to Jeffrey. They went to court.

IN THE COURTROOM

The relatives pleaded with the Judge. “Your Honor, Fred lacked the mental capacity to write a valid will. The doctor says he suffered from senile dementia. He had trouble recognizing things, making small decisions and he had poor short term memory.”

Jeffrey argued back. “They’re just angry that they didn’t get any money. The fact that he suffered from dementia doesn’t mean he didn’t have lucid moments.”

Is the will valid? YOU! Be The Judge. Then look below for the decision.

THE DECISION

“The will is valid,” held the Judge. “Although Fred’s mental capacities were deteriorating, his relatives haven’t convinced me that on the day of writing the will, he didn’t know what he was doing.”