Opinion ID: 901219
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: issues

Text: [¶ 20.] Was Richard subject to undue influence? [¶ 21.] It is well settled that it is a will contestant's burden to prove each of the four elements of undue influence by the greater weight of the evidence. These elements include: (1) decedent's susceptibility to undue influence; (2) opportunity to exert such influence and effect the wrongful purpose; (3) a disposition to do so for an improper purpose; and (4) a result clearly showing the effects of undue influence. In re Estate of Holan, 2001 SD 6, ¶ 16, 621 NW2d 588, 591-592. For influence to be undue it must be of such a character as to destroy the free agency of the testat[or] and substitute the will of another for that of the testat[or]. Matter of Estate of Elliot, 537 NW2d 660, 662 (SD 1995). [¶ 22.] The trial court held that Richard was not susceptible to undue influence. In determining whether Richard was susceptible to undue influence the physical and mental strength of a testator is material. Matter of Estate of Unke, 1998 SD 94, ¶ 21, 583 NW2d 145, 149. Casey alleges that Richard was suffering from a paranoid insane delusion and was easily susceptible to undue influence. However, again the trial court found insufficient evidence of an insane delusion. Rather, the trial court found the evidence to show Richard was a man with his own mind who did what he wanted when he wanted. This was based upon the testimony of Richard's long-time financial representative and close neighbors and friends who testified that Richard was not susceptible to influence, was competent, and was an informed investor who knew the value of his assets. This evidence is sufficient to support the trial court's finding that Casey failed to prove Richard was susceptible to undue influence. [¶ 23.] The trial court also found Casey failed to prove the second and third elements of undue influence. Because we find that the trial court did not err in finding Casey failed to satisfy his burden of establishing the first element, we need not address the remaining elements.