When the Numbers Don’t Add Up: A Family Trust Story

After the funeral, three siblings gathered around their father’s coffee table. The papers spread out before them told a story none of them wanted to face.

I’ve spent over two decades guiding families through the messy, emotional world of trusts. I’m not a lawyer, but as a fiduciary advisor, I’ve seen how grief, money, and silence can turn good intentions into family fractures.

This is one such story.

The Confrontation

“Three-point-two million,” Mark said, tapping the appraisal from the year their mother died. “That’s what the business was worth. How does it drop to less than a million?”

Anna shifted uncomfortably. “Dad sold it. He told me it wasn’t worth much anymore.”

“Without an appraisal?” Mark’s voice rose. “You don’t just sell a company without knowing its fair value.”

Claire looked at Anna. “You were trustee after Dad passed. Why didn’t you correct it?”

Anna’s eyes fell to her lap. “Because it was Dad. He believed revaluing it was fair, and I didn’t want to question him.”

Mark shook his head. “Being a trustee isn’t about what feels easiest. It’s about duty—to us, to Mom’s legacy.”

The room went quiet. Love for their father clashed with the…