“The trust was executed cleanly and with full capacity,” she continued. “Your father knew exactly what he was signing at the time. The beach house has been separate from his other assets since your mother’s passing. It is not marital property. Legally, it belongs to you and only you.”
“But Victoria says he transferred it,” I said, even though I knew the answer.
“Legally,” Margaret repeated, “he cannot transfer what he doesn’t own. Whatever paperwork he signed with her is invalid where the beach house is concerned. At best, she’s confused. At worst…” I could hear the faint clack of keyboard keys on her end. “At worst, she deliberately misled him.”
We walked through every step—who I should talk to, what to bring, what to say and, more importantly, what not to say. She’d already contacted the local authorities and sent them copies of the trust and deed.
“The local police have been notified,” Margaret said. “Officer Martinez is expecting you. He has copies of the documents and understands that you are the legal owner. If there’s any trouble, he’ll assist.”