Court Opinion

ID: 9735182
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 18:04:36.018038+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:55.884531
License: Public Domain

SULLIVAN, Judge,
concurring.
I concur because I agree that there was evidence from which the trial court could reasonably conclude that Dorothy was competent to make a new will at the time of the sale of the real estate but did not do so. Accordingly, as held by the majority, I.C. 29-1-18-44 was not applicable and the alleged life estate devised to Oliver was adeemed.
I am unable to agree, however, that the evidence supports a conclusion that after Dorothy was placed in a nursing home, Oliver had abandoned her and/or took up an adulterous relationship with Ms. Eden. Dorothy and Oliver could not live together or cohabit quite simply because Dorothy was in a nursing home. This does not constitute abandonment. - The evidence that Oliver, who at the time in question was 66-68 years old and who paid rent for his living quarters in the trailer, was seen with Ms. Eden in social settings, does not lead to a conclusion that they were engaging in sexual intercourse. It is not unknown for adult males and females of all ages to have living arrangements for convenience and economic reasons without sexual involvement. It is particularly not uncommon for couples of advanced age to have relationships born of the desire for companionship.
Subject to the caveat stated, I concur.