06.09.2021 Views

Law of Wills, 2016A

Law of Wills, 2016A

Law of Wills, 2016A

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

statement, “My entire estate is to be left to North Shore Animal League.” The material printed<br />

language together with her handwriting evince a future intent; not present testamentary intent.<br />

Although other extrinsic evidence, such as her letter to NSAL <strong>of</strong> September 4, 1987, and the<br />

supplemental Neptune form she signed on October 20, 1989, shows that Southworth desired to<br />

leave her estate to NSAL, neither the donor card at issue nor the handwriting on it substantially<br />

complies with Probate Code requirements for holographic wills. Although courts may consider<br />

statements made before and after a holographic will is made and the surrounding circumstances,<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> present testamentary intent provided by the instrument at issue is paramount. (Estate <strong>of</strong> Wong (1995) 40<br />

Cal.App.4 th 1198, 1204-1205 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 707]; Estate <strong>of</strong> Archer (1987) 193 Cal.App.3d 238, 244<br />

[239 Cal.Rptr. 137]; Estate <strong>of</strong> French (1964) 225 Cal.App.2d 9, 15-16 [36 Cal.Rptr. 908]; Prob. Code.<br />

§§ 6111, subd. (c), 6111.5.)<br />

Here, Southworth incorporated printed language stating that she was not taking any action when she<br />

executed it. It does not establish her testamentary intent at the time she executed it. It only states her<br />

intention to make a will in the future.<br />

The judgment is reversed. The parties are to bear their own costs.<br />

Problems<br />

1. David wrote the following letter to his girlfriend: “The last three months with you have been the<br />

best <strong>of</strong> my life. If I died today, I would want you to have everything that I own. I love you.” David<br />

signed the letter “Your Heart.” After he finished the letter, David committed suicide. Is this a valid<br />

holographic will?<br />

2. Vera sent a letter to her granddaughter Phyllis. The letter stated: “Dear Phyllis, Granny loves you<br />

very much. The doctor says that this leukemia will probably kill me. I know that you need help to<br />

finish college. I plan to go to the attorney next week to draft a will, so I can leave you $100,000. I<br />

will see you at Christmas.” Vera signed the letter, “Love Granny.” Vera died the day after she mailed<br />

the letter. Is this a valid holographic will?<br />

3. Alma wrote the following on a note pad: “To Whom It May Concern, I am feeling really sad. I<br />

just celebrated my 70 th birthday and it is time to put my affairs in order. I do not have time or money<br />

to get a lawyer to make a will for me. Darlene told me that I could write a will myself. My estate<br />

consists <strong>of</strong> about $12,000 in cash and a mortgage-free house that is worth $230, 000. I would like to<br />

leave the house to my only child, Darrell. The $12,000 should be given to my church, Friendship<br />

Fellowship Church.” Alma signed the note. Is this a valid holographic will?<br />

4. Paula was found dead in her bed. The following note was found on her night stand. “Peaches,<br />

ground beef, rice, apples, and light bulbs. Life is too short. When I go, I want my daughter Maxine<br />

to have my house. She has been such a good daughter. My daughter, Liza, should only get $1.00. All<br />

she wants to do is drink and gamble. Not with my money. The rest <strong>of</strong> my property and money<br />

should be split between my mother, Rosa and my sister, Clara. They need the money more than my<br />

children. Something to think about.” Paula signed the note. Is this a valid holographic will?<br />

542

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!