Opinion ID: 2516086
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Testamentary Exception

Text: The testamentary exception permits an attorney to reveal certain types of communications in special circumstances. Specifically, the attorney who drafted the will of a deceased client may disclose attorney-client communications concerning the will and transactions leading to its execution in a suit between the testator's heirs, devisees, or other parties who claim by succession from the testator. McCormick, supra, § 94; Wigmore, supra, § 2314; 81 Am.Jur.2d, Witnesses § 389 (2000). The rationale for this exception is that it furthers the client's testamentary intent. Swidler, 524 U.S. at 405, 118 S.Ct. 2081 (citing Glover v. Patten, 165 U.S. 394, 407-408, 17 S.Ct. 411, 41 L.Ed. 760 (1897)); Wigmore, supra, § 2314. Colorado recognizes the testamentary exception. See Denver Nat'l Bank v. McLagan, 133 Colo. 487, 491, 298 P.2d 386, 388 (1956); In re Estate of Shapter, 35 Colo. 578, 587, 85 P. 688, 691 (1905). In Shapter, we rejected an argument that an attorney could not testify about client communications relating to the deceased client's will, stating that after [the client's] death, and when the will is presented for probate, we see no reason why . . . the attorney should not be allowed to testify as to directions given to him by the testator so that it may appear whether the instrument presented for probate is or is not the will of the alleged testator. Shapter, 35 Colo. at 587, 85 P. at 691 (internal quotation omitted). In Denver National Bank, we stated that numerous decisions hold that the testamentary exception permits an attorney who writes a will to testify, after the testator's death, about attorney-client communications related to the execution and validity of the will. Denver Nat'l Bank, 133 Colo. at 491, 298 P.2d at 388. Wesp claims that the testamentary exception applies because this case involves litigation among the heirs and devisees of Prendergast's client. We are not persuaded. Prendergast and Oswald did not prepare the Brewers' wills. This case is not a will contest case and Wesp does not attempt to claim by succession. Instead, she stands as a potential tort claimant against her mother and step-father's estates. Hence, the testamentary exception does not apply. Additionally, we note that application of the exception here would be inconsistent with the exception's purpose of furthering the testator's intent. The Brewers, through their suicide letters, claimed that Frank Brewer was not guilty of the crimes with which he was charged. Further, the Brewers stated that their desire was to have their personal representative, the defendant here, fight Wesp's tort claims.