In will contest for alleged forgery, Master found that expert evidence is of little weight compared to direct evidence and allowed contested will to be probated, because clear and convincing evidence did not exist to prove forgery. Karoly Estate, Angstadt … Continue reading
Category Archives: Opinions
Despite divorce action, widow allowed deceased husband’s share of his company’s 401(k) profit sharing plan. McGarrity Estate, 2 Fid. Rep. 3d 447 (O.C. Chester 2012) (Opinion by Tunnell, J.) … Continue reading
10% executor commission allowed in a small estate of $48, 516.61, where beneficiary infighting and obstructionism created greater effort and time of executor; commission not limited to fee schedule under Johnson Estate. Duhovis Estate, 2 Fid. Rep. 3d 431 (O.C. … Continue reading
Appeal of probate dismissed, because decedent had testamentary capacity and no undue influence existed, because decedent understood the bounty of his estate, its disposition, and no party influenced the decedent’s new will. Evans Will, 2 Fid. Rep. 3d 421 (O.C. … Continue reading
Executor’s commission reduced, trustee removed, and attorney’s fee reduced, because the executor advanced commission for work not yet done, did not keep hours, and estate was not complicated. Butler Estate and Trust, 2 Fid. Rep. 3d 402 (O.C. Phila. 2012) … Continue reading
Will set aside on appeal of probate, because of lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence, when decedent signed will directly after surgery. Ehrhardt Will, 2 Fid. Rep. 3d 412 (O.C. Monroe 2011) (Opinion by Miller, J.) … Continue reading
Court denied specific performance for real property, because the written contract was not with decedent or decedent’s agent, and oral contract with equitable consideration for possession and improvement to property does not amount to specific performance in this case, because … Continue reading
Court decided in declaratory judgment that widow’s notice of claim against decedent’s estate had merit under prenuptial agreement, pertaining to payment of mortgage and substitute payments for reduced salary, using contract construction. Campbell Estate (No. 1), 2 Fid. Rep. 3d … Continue reading
Nonsuit granted in will contest for fraud and undue influence, because contestant did not establish with a clear and convincing evidence that the decedent’s lack of English skills did not affect mental state for undue influence, when decedent was a … Continue reading
The Court allowed for payment of widow’s attorney fees against estate under prenuptial agreement, which was a hybrid agreement of half hourly rate plus 20% recovered, but Court reduced attorney fees to full hourly rate plus $75,000. Campbell Estate (No. … Continue reading