Dear Judy,
All right. This isn’t really a question about dying, even though my mother-in-law is expected to pass away at any minute (severe dementia and emphysema). But I hope you’ll help us out anyway.
The question really concerns her jewelry. To be blunt: it’s very valuable and she has a lot of it. In particular a gorgeous ruby choker from the 1920’s, a Cartier sapphire-and-diamong ring, a triple strand of real pearls and three diamond tennis bracelets. I have three grown daughters. You can guess the rest.
The problem? My husband’s brother. He’s told everyone in the family he thinks the jewelry rightfully belongs to his wife, who has taken care of the old lady for the past two years. But they have no daughters, no nothing. My husband refuses to help me out on this, or even discuss it.
What do you think?
Angela in New York City
Dear Angela,
What do I think? I think, or at least hope, your mother-in-law has a will. And that she left everything in it, especially the jewelry, to your brother-in-law’s nice wife.
Thanks for writing
