In 1922, Mari? received the Nobel Prize money that she was promised in her divorce agreement to Einstein. Under the terms of the agreement, the money was to be held in trust for their two boys, while she was able to draw on the interest.[40] Based on newly released letters [sealed by Einstein's step-daughter (Elsa's daughter), Margot Einstein, until 20 years after her death], Walter Isaacson reported that Mari? eventually invested the Nobel Prize money in three apartment buildings in Zurich to produce income.[41][42] Mari? lived in one, a five-story house at Huttenstrasse 62; the other two were investments.
In 1930, at around age 20, her son Eduard had a breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. By the late 1930s, the costs of his care at the University of Zürich's psychiatric clinic "Burghölzli" overwhelmed Mari?. She sold the two houses to raise funds for his care and maintenance.[43] In 1939, Mari? agreed to transfer ownership of the Huttenstrasse house where she was living to Einstein to prevent its loss, with Mari? retaining power of attorney.
