Opinion ID: 1282574
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Existence of mutual, reciprocal wills

Text: The parties agree that the 1959 wills of Charles, Sr., and Lillian were executed at the same time and place, prepared by the same attorney, attested by the same witnesses, and identical (except that where Lillian's will referred to Charles, Charles' will referred to Lillian). The mere fact that two persons simultaneously made wills providing for the same ultimate disposition of property does not establish that they acted pursuant to any binding agreement to do so. Similar tastes, or love and affection for each other, can just as well account for such wills. American National Red Cross v. Wilson, supra, 274 Or. at 240, 545 P.2d 883; Taylor v. Wait, supra, 140 Or. at 684-85, 14 P.2d 283. [10] The wills of Charles, Sr., and Lillian should be considered with all the other peculiar facts of this case to determine whether it is much more probable that a contractual agreement, rather than some other reasons, caused Charles, Sr., and Lillian to execute the 1959 wills. Taylor, 140 Or. at 685, 14 P.2d 283.