Chapter 5 - The Appointment
On Thursday, Melanie used her lunch break to meet attorney Nora Bennett.
Nora was in her early fifties, with silver-framed glasses and a calm voice that made difficult facts easier to hear.
She reviewed the deed, inheritance documents, tax records, and bank statements.
“The house is separate property,” Nora said. “Ryan may claim some interest based on improvements, but the records strongly show you paid for those improvements.”
Melanie nodded, though her hands trembled under the table.
“What about the joint account?”
“You can open a new individual account and redirect your pay. You may remove your portion from the joint funds, but document everything. Do not empty it unfairly.”
Melanie almost laughed.
There was barely anything to empty. Ryan had spent most of the balance on a weekend trip he described as networking.
Nora studied her.
“Are you safe at home?”
“Yes. Ryan shouts sometimes, but he has never hurt me.”
“Do you expect retaliation?”
“Anger. Blame. A performance.”
Nora’s expression softened. “Then prepare for the performance. Facts will help you stay grounded.”
By the end of the meeting, Melanie had a plan.
She would separate her income, stop automatic payments for Ryan’s personal debts, and give formal notice regarding the house.
The separation papers could be filed Monday.
As Melanie stood to leave, Nora touched the green folder.
“You’ve done a lot of work.”
“I needed to see it.”
“And now that you have?”
May you like
Melanie looked through the office window at the bright afternoon traffic.
“Now I can’t pretend I didn’t.”
