Court Opinion

ID: 3553968
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-05 23:05:39.738082+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:46:04.926230
License: Public Domain

The testator gave his wife the use and income of the residue and remainder of his estate, both real and personal, during life, without impeachment of waste. If such use and income should prove insufficient for her support and maintenance, he also gave her so much of the principal as might be necessary for the purpose. Whatever might be left unexpended at her decease, he gave to the plaintiffs. His scheme required that some one should be charged with the custody and control of the property until the death of his wife, when, if it turned out that any of it was unexpended, the plaintiffs' right of possession would arise. He had power to determine who the custodian should be, — whether the life tenant or a trustee, — and whether any security should be required for the proper discharge of the custodian's duties. He nominated his wife sole executrix, thus giving her the right to the possession of the property upon appointment by the judge of probate. He also gave her full power to sell, convey, invest, and re-invest the property in her discretion, showing that he understood she would hold it longer than for the temporary purposes of administration merely, and that he had confidence in her judgment and business capacity. He exempted her from giving a bond, showing that he had confidence in her integrity. From these provisions it appears probable that he intended she should have the possession and control of the property without giving a bond to the remainder-men for their protection. His purpose seems to have been to provide amply for his wife, and to do it in such a way that she would have a sense of freedom and independence. There are several cases in which similar provisions have been used to effect a like purpose. Kimball v. Society, 65 N.H. 139, 151; *Page 327 
Langley v. Farmington, 66 N.H. 431; Langley v. Tilton, 67 N.H. 88.
The defendant has filed a bond for the payment of the testator's debts, as required in such cases. P.S., c. 188, s. 14. It does not appear that this bond obligates her to settle an account. The statute contains no express provision on the point. She has also filed an inventory of the estate, thereby voluntarily furnishing the plaintiffs with information necessary for the protection of their rights, and relieving them from the necessity of resorting to a court of equity for the purpose. She is rightfully in possession of the property. It is not alleged that she is appropriating more of it to her own use than she is entitled to, or that she is otherwise prejudicing the plaintiffs' rights. If she should attempt to divert the property from them by a fraudulent or unauthorized management or appropriation, they would have a remedy in equity. So long as she manages and uses it according to her rights, the plaintiffs have no reason to complain or call her to account. The testator, in effecting his purpose in respect to his wife, saw fit to intrust the property to her during the continuance of her rights in it, without incumbering her with an obligation to guarantee to the plaintiffs their rights by a bond, or by an accounting whenever they might call for one. His intent in this respect governs the plaintiffs' rights. It does not appear that the defendant ought to account at this time.
Case discharged.
All concurred.