Natalie rushed through the bustling concourse of the space station toward the law offices of Talbot, Wilson, Murphy & Assoc., her mind swirling with worry and determination. She could feel the oppressive weight of responsibility pressing on her shoulders, the urgency of protecting Michael from forces she feared were beyond her control. As she navigated the familiar hallways, the sight of a child darting past with a hover-toy momentarily reminded her of Michael’s younger years—a stark contrast to the challenges he now faced as a teenager burdened with loss.
The firm’s doors came into view, their polished surface gleaming under the station’s artificial lighting. The receptionist, a young woman with a professional demeanor, waved Natalie through without hesitation. She entered the glass-walled meeting room, where Roger Talbot and his team of estate lawyers were waiting. The room’s sterile decor, with its minimalist design and expensive furnishings, felt cold against the backdrop of the intensely personal matters she had come to discuss.
Roger rose to greet her, his face a practiced mask of calm professionalism. “Natalie,” he said, gesturing to a seat, “thank you for coming in so quickly. I understand we have pressing concerns to address.”
Natalie nodded, sitting down as she fought to organize her thoughts. “It’s about Michael,” she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “Martha—a senior Director at Family Services—is pushing to have him relocated to his father’s home system. I’m worried she’s going to try accessing his trust funds or even freezing his allowances to force compliance.”
Roger exchanged a glance with one of his associates, a younger lawyer named Amelia Wilson, before responding. “Natalie, we’ve seen these kinds of situations before, and it’s fortunate that Michael’s family anticipated potential overreach from government entities. The trusts were structured with extensive safeguards to prevent interference from external parties, including Family Services.”
“Safeguards?” Natalie’s eyebrows rose in curiosity. “What exactly do they entail?”
“The trusts were crafted during a time when Michael’s family had contentious dealings with governmental bodies,” Roger explained. “Over the Centuries and as recently as just a few decades ago, Family Services in various systems attempt to seize assets from similar trusts under the guise of supporting minors in state care. The family responded by hiring top legal experts to create provisions that made the trusts virtually untouchable by any external party.”
Amelia chimed in, her tone measured. “The trusts are structured like fortresses. Not only are they protected from unauthorized access, but they’re also designed to reclaim distributed assets if an illegitimate claim is detected. Even allowances can only be temporarily paused under specific conditions, such as legal disputes, but they can never be redirected.”
Natalie leaned forward, intrigued but cautious. “So, what happens if Martha tries to freeze his allowances or file a claim against the trust?”
“She wouldn’t succeed,” Roger assured her. “Family Services cannot alter the trust’s disbursement schedule or redirect funds. However, they could initiate delays under the guise of an investigation. This would temporarily halt payments, but Michael’s assets would remain secure. Once the investigation concludes, any withheld amounts would be disbursed retroactively.”
Natalie’s expression tightened. “Even a temporary disruption could be devastating for him. He relies on those allowances for living expenses and educational supplies. And Martha’s persistent focus on relocation makes me think she’s planning something drastic.”
Roger nodded gravely. “Your concern is valid. While the trust’s design prevents permanent financial harm, the family’s history with governmental entities has shown that temporary disruptions can still create significant challenges. Michael’s great-grandfather, for instance, faced relentless audits and legal threats when he opposed increased government control over private wealth.”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Amelia added, “The Aubrey family’s libertarian ethos—their belief in limited government intervention—shaped the trust’s stringent protections. They viewed wealth as a tool for independence and resisted any attempts to centralize control. These values influenced not only their financial planning but also their approach to charitable giving.”
Natalie’s interest piqued. “Charitable giving? How does that tie in?”
“One of the more unusual clauses in the trust redirects charitable donations if Family Services intervenes inappropriately,” Roger explained. “Historically, the family’s donations supported programs that offset government obligations, such as funding shelters and educational initiatives. However, if Family Services attempts to overreach, those funds are reallocated to other charities, leaving the agency to fill the gap themselves.”
Natalie allowed herself a small, grim smile. “So, meddling could cost them dearly.”
“Precisely,” Roger said. “It’s a strategic measure designed to discourage interference. While it won’t directly stop Martha’s efforts, it adds another layer of deterrence.”
Natalie exhaled slowly, feeling a flicker of hope amid her anxiety. “That’s reassuring. But what about Michael’s personal belongings? If he’s relocated, could they confiscate his tools and equipment?”
“No,” Amelia replied firmly. “Anything purchased with trust funds—including his tools and educational supplies—is classified as trust property. Family Services cannot claim or repurpose those assets. They would remain in secure storage until Michael regains access.”
Roger hesitated before adding, “However, we should prepare for the possibility that Martha might expedite a transfer order. Once filed, it’s challenging to counter without a court ruling. Our best strategy is to focus on Michael’s emancipation as soon as he graduates. Presenting him as a financially independent and responsible candidate could sway the court to recognize his autonomy.”
“Emancipation is our strongest card,” Amelia agreed. “Michael’s trust is fully managed by our firm until he officially graduates, as per his agreement with us. That means we can’t begin the emancipation process until after the graduation ceremony. However, this also means Family Services cannot claim control over his assets, as they remain under the firm’s jurisdiction.”
Natalie frowned. “So, until the ceremony, Michael is still vulnerable to Martha’s attempts. How do we protect him in the interim?”
Roger’s expression turned resolute. “We’ll begin gathering evidence to counter any claims she might present. This includes letters of recommendation from his educators, documentation of his achievements at the shipyard’s academic program, and financial records showing his responsible use of allowances. By the time we’re ready to file for emancipation, we’ll have an airtight case.”
Natalie’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Martha’s already hinted that she intends to push Michael into foster care and enroll him in a standard high school for the next academic year. She’s citing concerns about his ‘well-being’ and arguing that his current program isolates him from peers.”
Amelia shook her head. “That’s a weak argument at best. Michael’s academic and personal growth have been exceptional in his current environment. We’ll highlight his unique achievements, such as his dual college credits and certifications, to demonstrate how this program is in his best interest.”
“We’ll also document the potential harm of uprooting him,” Roger added. “Moving him to a foster home and a new school would disrupt his progress and emotional stability. Courts tend to favor continuity in cases like this, especially when the minor is thriving.”
Natalie nodded, a spark of determination returning to her eyes. “We’ll need to move quickly. Martha’s not the type to back down easily.”
Roger smiled faintly. “Neither are we. Natalie, you’ve done an incredible job advocating for Michael. Together, we’ll ensure his future remains secure.”
As Natalie stood to leave, Roger added, “We’ll send a formal notice to Family Services, reminding them of the trust’s protections and the legal consequences of overreach. That should buy us time until after Michael’s graduation.”
“Thank you, Roger,” Natalie said, her resolve solidifying. “Michael deserves the chance to build his future without interference, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he gets it.”
Roger’s expression softened. “He’s lucky to have someone as dedicated as you. We’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”
As Natalie left the office, her mind churned with plans. Martha’s overreach might have met its match, but the battle was far from over. For Michael’s sake, she would fight with every resource at her disposal.