DETROIT – A daughter who had been fighting for her recently deceased father’s account funds finally received a check from the credit union.
Local 4 reported the financial nightmare Sheri Divers and her elderly mother have been dealing with on April 1.
Previous coverage --> ‘He left it for us’: Daughter challenges credit union over delayed access to deceased father’s money
Background
Sheri’s father, Dr. Arthur Divers, spent decades as a teacher and counselor, and later as a union representative. He died in December at 97.
“Even though he was 97, it’s never a good time to lose your daddy,” Sheri said.
In the months since his death, Sheri stepped away temporarily from work to care for her 95-year-old mother, who has dementia.
At the same time, funeral costs and home care bills have been stacking up.
In an interview with Local 4 on April 1, she said she and her mother could not access the money her father left behind to cover the costs.
Sheri said her father was a loyal member of Michigan First Credit Union for over 50 years and had ensured that she and her mother were listed as beneficiaries.
But when she went to access the funds, she said she hit a wall almost immediately.
“They said they had serious concerns about my dad’s identity because my dad changed his name like 40 years ago,” Sheri said.
So she brought in more paperwork. Then more. Even a death certificate. She said they even called the funeral home.
At one point, Sheri said she had to bring her elderly mother in a wheelchair into the bank branch near 7 Mile Road and Wyoming Avenue.
Once there, she said she was asked more questions and told to provide more proof.
“We would feel more comfortable if you got guardianship over your mom,” Sheri said she was told.
So she did. But she said that wasn’t enough either.
“What does it take?” Sheri said.
Sheri said after the Investigators on Local 4 reached out, she received an email from an attorney representing the credit union the following morning.
“As we have now begun to receive inquiries from the media, we remain focused on resolving the uncertainty regarding the authorized beneficiary designation as quickly as possible,” Sheri read, in part.
“The money is my dad‘s. How arrogant!” Sheri said. “It makes me angry, and it’s unjust, and I wonder how many people have they done this to?”
Michigan First Credit Union initially declined to discuss the specifics of the case. It said it is bound by law in how it handles accounts.
“At Michigan First, the financial well-being of our members is our top priority. We are prohibited by law from confirming if someone is a member or sharing specific details about accounts, transactions, or claims. We follow established legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure the proper and lawful administration of all accounts, remaining dedicated to protecting the interests of our members,” said Jennifer Glenfield, Chief Marketing Officer of Michigan First Credit Union.
In a separate statement, the credit union added, after Local 4 asked specific questions, and for a phone call:
“While we respect your outreach, it is our longstanding policy not to comment on matters that are subject to legal review or involving private individual data. To ensure the integrity of the process and out of respect for the privacy of all parties involved, any further steps will be handled through the appropriate formal channels.”
Daughter gains access
On April 8, Sheri was finally given a check and will also receive some extra interest.
“They have behaved shamefully. I’m glad we let everyone know it - with your sacred assistance. Thank you,” Sheri said. “I want to thank WDIV and Erika Erickson for providing a way for regular people to cry out for social and economic justice.”