Opinion ID: 1276328
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: disposition to do so for improper purpose

Text: [A] disposition to unduly influence ... for an improper purpose is ... evident from ... persistent efforts to gain control and possession of testator's property .... In re Metz' Estate, 78 S.D. at 222-23, 100 N.W.2d at 398. Herberts acquired their home from Borsch. They lived in it rent free from the early sixties, until 1978 when Borsch deeded the property to them. Evidence showed instances where cash gifts were made to the Herberts. Liselotta Herbert testified that she could recall no such gifts for the year 1981. Yet, there were several checks written to the Herberts during that time. In addition to these checks, checks were made out to cash and endorsed by Alan Herbert. The circumstances surrounding the silver dollars, previously discussed, infers a disposition to acquire funds from an individual unable to care for himself financially. Finally, there is the overriding evidence of the wills. In January 1980, Frederick Borsch had a will giving most of his property to his niece, Jeraldine Fahrni. One year later, in March 1981, a new will was drafted giving virtually all of Borsch's property to the Herberts. Because of a repetition of items with regard to Chester Borsch, Jr., this will was subsequently redrafted, deleting the redundant paragraph in July 1981. The attorney who drafted both wills claims he did so based upon some writings given him by Borsch, designating percentages of property to be devised. These writings subsequently turned out to be those of Alan Herbert.