Sarah relating Betty's story

I had an appointment with a new client, Betty, about changing her will. She came in with her cousin and insisted that he sit with her during the appointment. The cousin was overbearing and kept speaking on behalf of the client. He said he was there to be Betty's supporter. I ended up asking the cousin to wait outside, saying that I had to discuss some matters with Betty alone. I stated that I would not be able to continue with the appointment if he did not do this.

Alone, Betty was able to answer a lot of my questions about what a will was, her property and who she thought should benefit from the will. However, she was not so clear on why she wanted to change her will. It became apparent that Betty had already changed her will twice in the last three months, following an argument with her family.

After the family argument the cousin had become closer to Betty and had moved into her home. I spoke at some length with Betty about what was happening in her life, including about her health. She told me that she had recently fallen from a ladder and had been told she had an acquired brain injury. She said that since then she didn't seem as able to think clearly and make decisions about some things.

When I asked Betty about wanting to change her will again she said, 'My cousin explained it was best'.