Via Strollerderby: A soap opera of a story has emerged in Texas, in which the children of an 87-year-old man want the court to divorce him from his young, second wife who they say is squandering their inheritance.

Here is the story, according to the Dallas Morning News:

Claude Thomas married Susana Martinez Ramirez in 2001, but he kept it hidden from his adult children for at least two years.

When they finally found out, they were shocked. That shock turned to anger when his four children realized that most of his estate – and their inheritance – had vanished.

Now the children are asking an Ellis County family court judge to divorce the 45-year-old Mrs. Thomas from their 87-year-old father and award custody of the ailing man to one of his sons.

Mrs. Thomas’ attorney said his client is entitled to Mr. Thomas’ money because they’re married. But his children say she is taking advantage of Mr. Thomas, spending his money on her own children and their father, Santiago Diaz.

At issue for the court is what’s best for Mr. Thomas and whether he’s capable of making his own decisions.

Mr. Thomas exhibits early signs of dementia, but he appears to know what’s happening around him. He’s said in court that he wants no guardian – he’s happy with his wife and her spending habits. And he has disputed testimony that portrays his wife as a villain.

Read the original here:
Is Inheritance a Right?

Share/Save/Bookmark