COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas.

MY BROTHER WANTS A BIGGER SHARE OF OUR MOTHER’S INHERITANCE

My mother was always worried about money so, when she became older, she made me a Power of Attorney, making me responsible for her financial affairs. She deliberately didn’t name my brother, because the two of them had always had a difficult relationship, and he’d borrowed quite a lot from her in the past and not paid it back.

When she went into care, we activated it and that’s when my brother found out. He was absolutely furious and contested it. It went to court and the judge said that her wishes were perfectly clear, and she’d obviously had her reasons for doing what she did. He went on to say that if she’d wanted him to act for her, or for us to do it jointly, she would have given him Power of Attorney too.

Six weeks ago, my mother died, and although her will clearly states my brother and I should have equal shares in her estate, he’s contesting that too. He wants more, in spite of the fact that he has had far more than me already.

FIONA SAYS: STAND FIRM

Sadly, I don’t think it will be easy for you and your brother to be reconciled.

Whilst it might be tempting to simply let him have the lion’s share and walk away, I don’t think it would make any difference to your ongoing relationship.

Your mother made her wishes clear when she chose not to have your brother as her power of attorney - she didn’t really trust him, but she did trust you. If you don’t fight your brother over this, it will be a betrayal of your mother’s wishes too.

WILL I EVER GET OVER THIS SEPARATION?

I have been separated from my girlfriend for eight months now, and it’s not getting any easier. She’s told me to get out there and meet someone else, but I can’t.

I feel like ending my life because I am so depressed, but the one thing that is stopping me is I have two children to think about. Will I ever get over this? Because I love her so much and miss my children every day.

FIONA SAYS: IT WILL GET EASIER

I am so sorry that you’re in such pain. And I know you’ll find it hard to accept this right now, but these feelings will pass. It won’t be easy and, as you’ve found, it won’t happen overnight.

In the meantime, when you feel down, do please contact the Samaritans for the support you need.

Email help@askfiona.net for advice.