Opinion ID: 2119172
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: opportunity to exert influence

Text: It is clear that the proponents had a very close relationship with decedent, and spent much time with him, however, they were never present during, nor in any way a party to, the discussions with the decedent and his counsel in the preparation or execution of the will. While their relationship with decedent created a certain opportunity to exert influence over him, we have held that opportunity alone is not sufficient to warrant an inference of undue influence. Peterson v. Imbsen, 46 S.D. 540, 543, 194 N.W. 842, 843 (1923). In a similar vein this court said in In Re Hosmer's Estate, 47 S.D. 147, 150, 196 N.W. 545, 546 (1924): The [trier of fact] may have understood that [it] might infer undue influence from the fact that [proponent] had an opportunity to influence the testatrix, that he was made a beneficiary of the will, and that he showed a disposition to retain the benefits of the will. These facts do not amount to proof of undue influence. If they did nearly every will could be set aside on this ground ... The fact that proponents were the only relatives of decedent who showed an interest in him in his later years and provided for him on a daily basis obviously establishes the opportunity to exert influence, but it does not establish the exertion of undue influence, and indeed such conduct is to be commended rather than used as a basis to deny decedent's expressed desire to reward such human concern.