Opinion ID: 2209080
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Change from former will and unnatural disposition

Text: Allen was the primary devisee in the testator's 1984 will and Koontz was the primary devisee in Allen's will. Moore was a contingent beneficiary under both wills. Conversely, in the testator's 1980 will, one half of his estate was bequeathed to Smith, his nephew; and the other half of the estate was bequeathed to Allen, in trust, for her lifetime. Moore maintains that the fact that the testator changed the bequests in his 1984 will is not per se indicative of the exertion of undue influence. What Moore fails to consider, however, are the inferences to be drawn from this and other facts which support the trial court's conclusions. While the testator's intent to care for Allen has never been questioned, the evidence reveals that the testator expressed doubt as to Allen's ability to care for herself. Thus, it is not likely that, having bequeathed one half of his estate to Allen in trust in his 1980 will, the testator would then bestow upon Allen his entire estate in total disregard of her limitations. This result completely belies the intent manifested in Koontz's 1980 will. Neither is it likely that, absent Moore's importunity or coercion, the testator would have named someone whom he knew less than a month as his personal representative and a contingent beneficiary. Those who had handled the testator's personal and financial affairs in the past were long-term acquaintances. These people included testator's ex-wife, his brother-in-law, and a close childhood friend of Allen's. Moreover, we disagree with Moore's contention that the lower court failed to consider the significance of Smith's failing physical health. Moore maintains that the testator may have changed his will in case Smith died before he did, which obviously would have prevented Smith from serving as trustee pursuant to the will. Even if true, this does not explain why the testator would have seen a need to change the personal representative as well. More important, Smith's inability to assume the role of trustee does not sufficiently explain why the testator would devise his entire estate to Allen outright, absent the concomitant appointment of a trustee to oversee Allen's use of this legacy. The circuit court obviously concluded that Moore intentionally placed himself in a position to control the assets of the estate.