Case Name: George Lomerson, executor, v. George L. Vroom et al.
Court: New Jersey Court of Chancery
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Decision Date: 1886-10
Citations: 42 N.J. Eq. 290
Docket Number: 
Parties: George Lomerson, executor, v. George L. Vroom et al.
Judges: 
Reporter: New Jersey Equity Reports
Volume: 42
Pages: 290–290

Head Matter:
George Lomerson, executor, v. George L. Vroom et al.
A demurrer for want of parties may be sustained, where a bill is filed for the construction of a will disposing of real estate, and one of the questions is whether it is disposed of thereby, the devisees only being parties; the decedent’s heirs-at-law must also be joined.
On demurrer.
Mr. W. H. Morrow, for demurrant.
Mr. L. De Witt Taylor, contra.

Opinion:
Bird, V. C.
The demurrer is for want of parties. The bill is filed for the construction of a will, in and by which the testator attempts to dispose of his real and personal estate. One of the questions is whether he has succeeded in disposing of the former or not. If not, his heirs-at-law are interested. The legatees and devisees named in the will are made parties, but the heirs-at-law of the testator are not. It is said that it does not appear but what the devisees and legatees are his only heirs-at-law. This, I think, might be answered by saying that they are not made parties as heirs-at-law, but only as legatees or devisees; consequently, they would not, as heirs-at-law, be bound. I understand the rule to be that you must present the party to the court in the precise capacity in which you wish to charge or bind him. See Wade v. Miller, 3 Vr. 296 ; Kirkpatrick v. Corning, 11 Stew. Eg. 254.
The demurrer must be allowed, with costs.