Opinion ID: 1860015
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: did the circumstances surrounding the execution of grantham's will give rise to a presumption of undue influence?

Text: The existence of a confidential relationship, standing alone, does not give rise to a presumption of undue influence. In re Will of Adams, 529 So.2d 611, 615 (Miss. 1988). In addition to the relationship, there must be some showing that the beneficiary under the will abused the relationship either by asserting dominance over the testator or by substituting his intent for that of the testator. See In re Will of Adams, 529 So.2d at 615; see also Costello v. Hall, 506 So.2d 293, 298 (Miss. 1987). In Croft v. Alder, 237 Miss. 713, 115 So.2d 683 (1959), we held that a presumption of undue influence can arise where a beneficiary actively participates in the procurement, preparation or execution of the will. There can be no question but that Goodwin and Roberts actively participated in the procurement of Grantham's 1980 will. They arranged an appointment with the attorney who drafted the will, they drove Grantham to the lawyer's office, and they were present when Grantham executed the document. The record clearly demonstrates, therefore, that the circumstances surrounding the execution of Grantham's 1980 will gave rise to a presumption of undue influence.