Second, find out what kind of account it was.

Third, get independent legal advice.

And fourth, give her something she can still work toward.”

She helped us arrange a consultation with Richard Hale, a family-law attorney.

A certified financial planner, Elena Cho, volunteered to explain college funding options without promising miracles.

Ms.

Alvarez, a retired math teacher, offered to supervise the study sessions.

A local education nonprofit loaned us three refurbished laptops.