Court Opinion

ID: 4431088
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-08-20 19:51:59.152965+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:58:37.308415
License: Public Domain

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
                   APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
  This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court."
   Although it is posted on the internet, this opinion is binding only on the
     parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.

                                    SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
                                    APPELLATE DIVISION
                                    DOCKET NO. A-4535-16T3

IN THE MATTER OF THE WILL OF
E. WARREN BRADWAY, Deceased.
____________________________

           Submitted May 24, 2018 – Decided June 25, 2018

           Before Judges Gilson and Mitterhoff.

           On appeal from Superior Court of New Jersey,
           Chancery Division, Probate Part, Camden
           County, Docket No. CP-0116-2016.

           Cronin   Trial    Lawyers,   attorneys for
           appellant/cross-respondent Marc A. Coleman
           (Joseph D. Cronin, on the briefs).

           Cozen O'Connor, PC, attorneys for respondent/
           cross-appellant the Estate of E. Warren
           Bradway (John P. Johnson, Jr., and Mark A.
           Lazaroff, on the brief).

PER CURIAM

     This appeal arises out of a dispute concerning a holographic

codicil to a will, written with the blood of the decedent, E.

Warren Bradway.      Defendant Marc Coleman appeals from a June 2,

2017 judgment admitting Bradway's will and codicil to probate, and

naming Bradway's partner, Kirston Baylock, executor of Bradway's

estate.   The estate cross-appeals from an August 15, 2017 order
denying its motion for sanctions and attorney's fees.               We affirm

the judgment because there was clear and convincing evidence that

the codicil was intended to alter Bradway's will.               We affirm the

order because we discern no abuse of discretion in the denial of

sanctions and fees.

                                        I.

     From 1997 to 2004, Bradway and Coleman were in a long-term

relationship.       During that time, they lived together and filed

documents with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

recognizing their relationship as life partners.

     In a last will and testament, executed on June 28, 2001 (2001

Will),    Bradway    named    Coleman   as   his   primary   beneficiary   and

executor of his estate.              The 2001 Will was typed, signed by

Bradway, and witnessed by three individuals, whose signatures were

attested to by a notary.         The 2001 Will replaced Bradway's first

will, which he executed in February 1977.

     In    2004,    Bradway    and    Coleman   ended   their   relationship.

Bradway moved out of the home he had shared with Coleman in

Philadelphia.       Thereafter, both Bradway and Coleman entered into

new relationships with new partners.               In January 2006, Coleman

filed a certified life partnership termination statement with the

Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, officially severing

his relationship with Bradway.

                                        2                             A-4535-16T3
     In September 2004, Bradway began a committed relationship

with Baylock.     On January 11, 2006, the same day that Coleman

officially terminated his life partnership with Bradway, Bradway

drafted a one-page handwritten codicil to his 2001 Will.              The

codicil   named   Baylock   as   Bradway's    primary   beneficiary   and

executor, by directing that all references to Coleman in the 2001

Will be replaced with Baylock's name.        Bradway drafted the codicil

using his own blood as ink.

     Baylock certified and testified that Bradway showed him the

codicil in January 2006, and explained the purpose of the codicil.

Baylock also testified that Bradway showed him the 2001 Will and

showed him that he was storing both the 2001 Will and the codicil

in a filing cabinet.

     In 2011, Bradway moved out of his home in Philadelphia and

began living in Baylock's home in New Jersey.              Bradway died

unexpectedly in April 2016.        Baylock testified that he found

Bradway's 2001 Will and codicil in the filing cabinet, which

Bradway had moved into Baylock's home when they started living

together in 2011.

     After their relationship ended in 2004, Bradway and Coleman

had limited contact with each other.         They did, however, resolve

a dispute concerning the closing of a bed and breakfast they had

operated in Philadelphia.    Ultimately, a Pennsylvania court ruled

                                    3                            A-4535-16T3
that Coleman had agreed to pay Bradway $95,500 for his share of

the business, and that as of 2012, Coleman still owed Bradway

$76,000 plus interest.   In his codicil, Bradway directed that that

debt from Coleman "be in one-half measure forgiven."

     In May 2016, the estate filed an action in the Chancery

Division to admit Bradway's 2001 Will and codicil to probate.

Coleman filed an answer and counterclaim, contesting the validity

of the codicil.    Thereafter, the parties engaged in discovery,

including the production of reports from four experts who examined

and analyzed the DNA and handwriting on the codicil.

     Following the completion of discovery, the Chancery court

conducted a bench trial in May 2017.       During the first two days

of trial, all four experts testified: Dr. Julie Heinig,                the

estate's DNA expert; Khody Detwiler, the estate's handwriting

expert; Dr. Megan Shaffer MacKenzie, Coleman's DNA expert; and

Robert Baier, Coleman's handwriting expert.

     The DNA experts did not have a DNA sample from Bradway.

Accordingly,   their   analysis   and   opinions   were   based   on   DNA

extracted from the blood on the codicil as compared to DNA samples

provided by Bradway's two brothers.     Dr. Heinig testified that the

codicil was written using blood, and opined that the blood had a

99.9999 percent probability of coming from a full-sibling of

Bradway's brothers.    Dr. MacKenzie also confirmed that the codicil

                                   4                              A-4535-16T3
was written using blood.      She opined that the DNA in the body of

the codicil reflected "mixed-source profiles" that came from more

than one contributor.      She ultimately acknowledged, however, that

the major contributor of the DNA was a full-sibling of Bradway's

brothers, and that the mixed-source profiles may have been caused

by transfer DNA left by others who handled the codicil prior to

her analysis.     Dr. MacKenzie also acknowledged that her lab had

used all of the blood from the signature line on the codicil to

analyze the DNA.

     Both handwriting experts, Detwiler and Baier, opined that the

handwriting in the body of the codicil was Bradway's handwriting.

Detwiler   also   opined   that   the   signature   on   the   codicil   was

Bradway's authentic signature and that the signature had not been

made using "autopen."       Baier opined that the signature on the

codicil was in Bradway's handwriting, but stated that he could not

rule out that the signature had been placed there by a "robotic

machine" or "cut-and-paste."

     After Coleman's experts finished testifying, the estate moved

for a directed verdict.      The estate argued that both DNA experts

agreed that the body of the codicil was written in the blood of a

full-sibling of Bradway's brothers.        Accordingly, Bradway was the

only possible source of the blood on the codicil.         The estate also

argued that the handwriting experts agreed that the body of the

                                    5                               A-4535-16T3
codicil    was   in   Bradway's   handwriting   and    that   any   argument

concerning the signature was not relevant because Coleman's own

DNA expert acknowledged that the signature was written in the

blood of a paternal relative of Bradway's brothers.

     Coleman opposed the motion contending that it was premature

because he had additional witnesses.            In that regard, Coleman

argued that he was prepared to call two witnesses who would testify

that at the time of Bradway's death there was no signature on the

codicil.   Thus, Coleman contended that Baylock may have placed the

signature on the codicil after Bradway's death.

     The trial judge granted the estate's motion, reasoning that

there was clear and convincing evidence that Bradway intended the

codicil to alter his 2001 Will.       Based on the testimony from both

DNA experts, the court found that the codicil was written in

Bradway's own blood.      The court then reasoned that even without a

signature, the handwriting and content of the codicil established

Bradway's intent to alter his 2001 Will.              In that regard, the

court analyzed the codicil and found several identifiers that

clearly and convincingly established Bradway's intent to alter his

2001 Will.

     The court then concluded that the codicil was valid under

N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3.       Accordingly, on June 2, 2017, the trial court

entered an order of judgment admitting the 2001 Will and codicil

                                     6                               A-4535-16T3
to probate and appointing Baylock as the executor of Bradway's

estate.1

     Thereafter, the estate filed a motion for sanctions and

attorney's fees against Coleman and his counsel.    In making that

motion, the estate relied on Rule 1:4-8 and N.J.S.A. 2A:15-59.1,

which allow for the imposition of sanctions and attorney's fees

against a party and counsel who pursue frivolous litigation.     The

court heard oral arguments on August 11, 2017, and on August 15,

2017, it issued an order denying that motion.   The court explained

that it did not find Coleman's pursuit of the litigation to be

1
   Prior to trial, a dispute arose concerning two missing coin
collections: one collection worth approximately $400,000, and
another worth approximately $4000.     The estate contended that
Bradway's brothers had taken the coin collections, which belonged
in Bradway's estate. Bradway's brothers contended that they had
only taken the $4000 coin collection, which belonged to their
mother and did not belong in Bradway's estate. In October 2016,
the court held a teleconference with the parties and advised them
that it was severing the dispute concerning the $400,000 coin
collection from the probate action, because any alleged theft was
a criminal matter to be handled by the police. The court also
advised the parties that the question of whether the $4000 coin
collection should be included in Bradway's estate would be
addressed after the probate matter was decided. On October 19,
2016, the court entered an order allowing Bradway's brothers to
retain possession of the $4000 coin collection pending the outcome
of the probate matter, but directed the brothers not to dissipate
that asset. Ultimately, the estate withdrew its motion concerning
the $4000 coin collection.       Baylock filed a police report
concerning the missing $400,000 coin collection, but that issue
was not addressed or decided during the probate matter and,
therefore, is not before us on appeal.

                                7                           A-4535-16T3
frivolous because Coleman had taken reasonable positions in light

of the "eccentric" nature of Bradway's preparation of the codicil

using his own blood.

                                II.

      Coleman now appeals from the January 2, 2017 judgment.2    The

estate cross-appeals from the August 15, 2017 order denying its

motion for sanctions and attorney's fees.     We will address the

appeal and cross-appeal in turn.

    A. Coleman's Appeal

      On appeal, Coleman argues that the trial court erred by:

(1) prematurely granting a directed verdict before he submitted

all of his evidence; and (2) not viewing the evidence in the light

most favorable to him in deciding the estate's motion for a

directed verdict.    In support of these arguments, Coleman states

that he was prepared to call two witnesses who would have testified

that Bradway's signature was not on the codicil at the time of his

death. Coleman then argues that there was not clear and convincing

evidence that Bradway intended the codicil to alter his 2001 Will.

We disagree and affirm.

2
 Coleman initially filed a notice of appeal before the trial court
ruled on the estate's motion for sanctions and fees. Thereafter,
Coleman withdrew that initial notice of appeal and reinstated it
after the trial court entered the August 15, 2017 final order.

                                 8                          A-4535-16T3
     We conduct a de novo review of a directed verdict, using the

same standard as the trial court.     Akhtar v. JDN Props. at Florham

Park, LLC, 439 N.J. Super. 391, 403 (App. Div. 2015). Accordingly,

we "must accept as true all evidence that supports the non-moving

party's position and all favorable legitimate inferences therefrom

to determine whether the moving party is entitled to judgment as

a matter of law."   Ibid. (quoting Dolson v. Anastasia, 55 N.J. 2,

5 (1969)).

     In reviewing evidence rulings, however, we use an abuse of

discretion standard.   See Estate of Hanges v. Metro. Prop. & Cas.

Ins. Co., 202 N.J. 369, 383-84 (2010). ("Evidentiary decisions are

reviewed under the abuse of discretion standard because . . . the

decision to admit or exclude evidence is one firmly entrusted to

the trial court's discretion.")

     In a probate matter, the court's role is "to ascertain and

give effect to the probable intention of the testator."           Fid.

Union Tr. v. Robert, 36 N.J. 561, 564 (1962); In re Prob. of Will

& Codicil of Macool, 416 N.J. Super. 298, 307 (App. Div. 2010).

In so doing, the court must "look to the language of the will to

determine if the testator expressed an intent as to how the

property should be distributed."      In re Estate of Hope, 390 N.J.

Super. 533, 539 (App. Div. 2007).

                                  9                           A-4535-16T3
     Writings intended to be wills are governed by statutory

provisions.    See N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2 to -3.   N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2 addresses

the technical requirements for wills and describes two types of

wills:   the   traditional   will,    N.J.S.A.   3B:3-2(a),   and   the

holographic will, N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2(b).       Both of those subsections

authorize wills that are in writing and signed by the testator.

Macool, 416 N.J. Super. at 311.

     N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3 addresses a form of testamentary document

that "was not executed in compliance with N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2."           It

provides:

            Although a document or writing added upon a
            document was not executed in compliance with
            [N.J.S.A.] 3B:3-2, the document or writing is
            treated as if it had been executed in
            compliance with [N.J.S.A.] 3B:3-2 if the
            proponent   of   the  document   or   writing
            establishes by clear and convincing evidence
            that the decedent intended the document or
            writing to constitute: (1) the decedent's
            will; (2) a partial or complete revocation of
            the will; (3) an addition to or an alteration
            of the will; or (4) a partial or complete
            revival of his formerly revoked will or of a
            formerly revoked portion of the will.

            [N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3.]

To be recognized as a will or a codicil under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3, the

document or writing need not be signed by the testator.        Macool,

416 N.J. Super. at 311.

                                 10                            A-4535-16T3
     In granting the directed verdict to the estate, the trial

court did not rely on N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2. Instead, the court accepted

Coleman's position that the codicil was unsigned at the time of

Bradway's death.   Thus, the court applied N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3, and

focused on whether there was clear and convincing evidence in the

body of the codicil to establish that Bradway intended to alter

his 2001 Will.   We also look to N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3.

     Here, the handwriting experts agreed that the body of the

codicil was written in Bradway's handwriting.       Thus, there was

clear and convincing evidence that Bradway wrote the codicil.

Indeed, on this appeal Coleman "concedes that the body of the

codicil in question was written by Mr. Bradway."       The question

under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3 then becomes whether there is clear and

convincing evidence that Bradway intended the codicil to alter his

2001 Will.

     We agree with the trial court that evidence of Bradway's

clear and convincing intent is established by the codicil itself.

First, the codicil uses language showing a clear intent to be a

freely attested to "codicil."   In that regard, the codicil states:

          In the Name of God, Amen

          This codicil drawn by me on 11 January 2006
          and transcribed in mine own hand – I of sound
          and disposing mind and memory, of my own free

                                11                          A-4535-16T3
          will and volition devoid of any external
          influence that may be contrary to my wishes
          amend my last will & testament bearing the
          date of 28 June 2001 ----

     Second, the codicil has at least four identifiers that clearly

and convincingly establish that Bradway intended to alter his 2001

Will.   The codicil: (1) states that it is Bradway's "wish[]" to

"amend" his 2001 Will; (2) references his former partner, "Mark

Albert Coleman"; (3) "directs" that any references to Coleman in

the 2001 Will be replaced with his current partner, "Kirston John

Baylock"; and (4) references the debt Coleman owed to him from the

home they had operated as a bed and breakfast at "1203 Pine Street,

Philadelphia   City   and   County   within   the   Commonwealth    of

Pennsylvania[.]"

     Finally, that the codicil was prepared using Bradway's own

blood adds support to the other clear and convincing evidence that

Bradway intended the codicil to alter his 2001 Will.      All of the

experts agreed that the body of the codicil was written in blood

that came from a full-sibling of Bradway's brothers.    The estate's

expert opined that the codicil was written in Bradway's blood.

Coleman's DNA expert testified that the blood was not from either

of Bradway's two known brothers – leaving Bradway as the only

logical source of the blood.

                                12                           A-4535-16T3
     Coleman   contends    that   the     evidence    was    not    clear    and

convincing because there was a dispute over whether Bradway had

signed the codicil before his death.             That contention is not

relevant   under   N.J.S.A.   3B:3-3,     because    a     signature   is    not

necessary.   Moreover, that contention does not undermine the clear

and convincing evidence of Bradway's intent to write the codicil

as an alteration of his 2001 Will.          Even without his signature,

we have Bradway's undisputed handwritten intentions clearly and

convincingly expressed in the body of the codicil.

     There was also no error in the trial court deciding the

directed verdict before Coleman finished presenting his full case.

Coleman represented that his remaining evidence would be testimony

that the codicil was not signed at the time of Bradway's death.

As already explained, the lack of Bradway's signature does not

undercut the clear and convincing evidence of Bradway's intent as

expressed in the codicil which he indisputably wrote.                Moreover,

in deciding the estate's motion for a directed verdict, the trial

court   accepted   the   proffered   testimony      that    the    codicil   was

unsigned at the time of Bradway's death.         Accordingly, Coleman was

not prejudiced by the court's decision to address the estate's

motion before hearing that testimony.

     Normally, a motion for a directed verdict "may be made by a

party either at the close of all the evidence or at the close of

                                     13                                 A-4535-16T3
the evidence by an opponent."          R. 4:4-1.   The language of the

rule, however, does not prohibit a motion from being made at

another time.        Thus, the rule states when a party "may" make a

motion for judgment.        Here, we find no abuse of discretion in the

trial court's decision not to hear testimony that would have only

gone to the alleged lack of Bradway's signature on the codicil at

the time of his death.

       In short, the record developed at trial established clear and

convincing evidence that Bradway intended the codicil to alter his

2001 Will.      Accordingly, the codicil was properly admitted for

probate in accordance with N.J.S.A. 3B:3-3.

     B. The Estate's Cross-Appeal

       Under the frivolous litigation statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-59.1,

the assessment of attorney's fees and sanctions rests within the

sound discretion of the trial court.       In re Estate of Ehrlich, 427

N.J. Super. 64, 73 (App. Div. 2012).       Accordingly, we review such

decisions under an abuse of discretion standard.           Ibid. (citing

United Hearts, L.L.C. v. Zahabian, 407 N.J. Super. 379, 390 (App.

Div. 2009)).

       "A party who prevails in a civil action . . . may be awarded

all reasonable litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, if

the judge finds . . . that a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim

or    defense   of    the   non[-]prevailing   [party]   was   frivolous."

                                     14                            A-4535-16T3
N.J.S.A. 2A:15-59.1(a)(1).            To receive a fee award for frivolous

litigation,        the    prevailing      party     must    show    that       "the

non[-]prevailing party either brought the claim in bad faith for

harassment, delay, or malicious injury; or 'knew, or should have

known that the complaint [or] counterclaim . . . was without [any

reasonable] basis in law or equity . . . .'"                Ehrlich, 427 N.J.

Super. at 77 (quoting N.J.S.A. 2A:15-59.1(b)).

     In addition, an attorney may be sanctioned for asserting

frivolous claims on behalf of a client.               R. 1:4-8.     A claim is

considered frivolous when "no rational argument can be advanced

in its support, or it is not supported by any credible evidence,

or it is completely untenable."              First Atl. Fed. Credit Union v.

Perez, 391 N.J. Super. 419, 432 (App. Div. 2007).               Even when some

allegations    are       later    determined   to   lack   merit,   however,       a

complaint     is    not    rendered     frivolous    if    it   also   contains

non-frivolous claims.            Ehrlich, 427 N.J. Super. at 77.

     In denying the estate's motion, the court found that Coleman

and his counsel asserted legitimate claims regarding Bradway's

intent to alter his 2001 Will.           We discern no abuse of discretion

in that decision and, accordingly, we affirm the order.

     Affirmed.

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