I entered the courtroom with Elias on my left and Nina on his right. I didn't touch him. The room smelled like paper, coffee, and the lemon polish used on the bench. At the far table, Rusk sat beside Lydia Pike and their lawyer.
The judge, Hon. Maren Holt, reviewed the filings. She confirmed Elias's preferred methods of communication and made sure the interpreter was seated where he could see her.
Nina called Dr. Bell first. The doctor explained the injury, the evaluation, and the difference between speech and capacity.
"Can Mr. Ward communicate decisions?" Nina asked.
"Yes."
"Can he understand the nature and consequences of the trust?"
"Based on my examination, yes."
"Does his inability or unwillingness to speak indicate that he lacks capacity?"
"No."
Rusk's lawyer asked whether
