Background Information:

Frank's marriage had been extremely difficult due to the fact that his wife was diagnosed with a serious mental illness 5 years into his marriage (over 40 years ago). He had to look after his wife and his young children in the early years. To do that he had to work his trade from his home garage.

Often, he had to drive his wife to the doctor or to hospital. He had also to drive his school age children to extra-curricular activities e.g. piano and guitar lessons. He paid for their university education and overseas trips.

He gave them a piece of land for them to build their present houses. Assistances were generously given to assist them in building their homes.
Inspite of the difficulties of the marriage, Frank stayed in the marriage. His therapy appeared to be "burying himself in his work".

He was proud of his achievements. And, he was extremely proud of his children.
All assets were either in joint-names with his wife or in the name of the family trust.

Chronology of Events

20 August 1998 His wife was in hospital. It was his 40th wedding anniversary. He had made a pendant for his wife. When he mentioned that to his daughter, he was told that his wife no longer wanted to live with him. Any communications from then on was through is children.
Unfortunately for Frank, just one day before, he had borrowed from the bank to buy a new investment property. He was stressed out by the new problem. He was confident that the problem would be solved by selling some other investment property. But that takes time.
As a temporary measure, he paid $12000 for the matrimonial home to be divided into two living areas, with two separate entrances. He took 3 small rooms to be his temporary living quarters. Little did he know that his "temporary" living quarters was to be his home for the next nine years!
Friends and relatives thought that Frank was the one who did not want to relocate his wife; or, to work towards property settlement in the 8 to 9 years. This is furthest from the truth. Read on.