Suspicion, deception surround elderly father’s younger wife

Dear Abby: My elderly father remarried after my mother died two years ago. He married an acquaintance who is 30 years younger. He told her beforehand that there was a large widow’s pension he’d paid into that he wanted to give to her by marrying her. She promptly got a divorce.

Well, she and her nowex have “suddenly started getting along just great,” so she decided to continue to live with her ex after her marriage to Dad. She’s also asking my dad for a monthly allowance so she can retire.

Abby, do we have any recourse in this situation? Do you think we are right to call my father’s marriage fraudulent, and would we be considered accomplices by not reporting it to any authorities before his death? — Stepdaughter In Revolt Dear Stepdaughter: You are correct that the “marriage” was fraudulent, and you certainly do have recourse. Your father’s lawyer should be consulted immediately to discuss an annulment. Because your father’s judgment is so poor, go with him to ensure that no details are left out. Frankly, I think the woman may be guilty of elder abuse, and your father may need a conservator.

Dear Abby: I’m in seventh grade. Until recently, I was my usual happy, bubbly self. I saw school as a place to make friends. I was always happy and social.

As the months have passed, it seems like everything annoys me. I have stopped talking to all of my friends for long periods of time. I am angry, sad, frustrated. I cry a lot and I feel no one understands.

This may seem like a normal middle-school breakdown that goes away over days, but it’s not. People see me crying and think, “Why is she crying? What is wrong?” but the thing is I don’t know what’s wrong with me. When I’m alone with my thoughts, these feelings come back, stronger and stronger each time. I can’t stop them. Why am I like this? — Almost-Teen Dear Almost-Teen: That’s a very good question, and one you should ask your parents, because they know you better than I do. The lows you are experiencing may result from the fact that you are maturing and the hormones in your body are changing. However, because you are concerned enough about what’s going on to write to me, you may need to be examined by a physician.

If you need help beyond that, the doctor can recommend a referral. I’m glad you wrote. It shows you are an intelligent young lady who recognizes she has a problem and wants to deal with it.