When did Michael get the money?
in 1993 Michael won $300,000 for loss of consortium and the million was put into a trust for Terri.
May 1992 Michael and the Schindlers stop living together
January 1993 Michael recovers $1 million settlement for medical malpractice claim involving Terri's care; jury had ruled in Michael's favor on allegations Terri's doctors failed to diagnose her bulimia, which led to her heart failure; case settled while on appeal
March 1994 Terri is transferred to a Largo nursing home
May 1998 Michael files petition for court to determine whether Terri's feeding tube should be removed; Michael takes position that Terri would chose to remove the tube; Terri's parents take position that Terri would chose not to remove the tube
So, it takes another five years after the settlement is received for Michael to petition the courts.