Chapter 22 - The custodial-account judgment
Independent accounting took another six weeks.
Final findings:
Total reviewed disputed withdrawals:
$233,000.
Clearly legitimate Felix expenses:
$57,600.
Reasonably arguable beneficiary-protection expenses:
$38,400.
Clearly self-interested or inadequately connected to Felix’s benefit:
$137,000.
Then returned/escrowed by Adrian’s law firm:
$64,000.
Other consultant refunds after settlement:
$21,500.
Remaining surcharge against Genevieve:
$51,500 plus a portion of accounting fees.
Why not $137,000?
Because some funds had already been restored.
No double recovery.
Judge removed Genevieve permanently as custodian of that account.
Successor:
Harbor Trust Services until statutory transfer.
Felix remained owner.
Genevieve did not lose her own inheritance.
Felix did not lose his.
Then attorney fees.
Genevieve personally ordered to pay:
$186,000
of trust-side forensic and legal expenses attributable to the false succession instrument.
My branch:
Each side largely bore own fees beyond limited sanction contribution.
No million-dollar punitive fee.
Then how would Genevieve pay?
Personal brokerage.
No forced house sale.
No bankruptcy.
No seizure of Felix’s money.
She had assets.
May you like
Consequences hurt.
Did not annihilate her.
