Court Opinion

ID: 6376044
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-06-24 23:55:15.797976+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:50:10.609803
License: Public Domain

Van Dusen, J.,
Testator devised to Adolph P. Shick and wife premises No. 2510 North Lee Street, and further provided: “Said property to be clear of all incumbrances and I hereby order and direct that my estate shall pay off any and all liens or incumbrances on said property at the time of my decease.” At the time the will was made the testator had already conveyed the premises to Adolph P. Shick and wife, taking in part-payment their bond and mortgage of $1500, since reduced to $1300, which he held at the time of his death.
Adolph P. Shick and wife were not represented at the audit, and the Auditing Judge directed that they be notified of the question which arose. Exceptions were filed on their behalf, which were somewhat informal, but we understand the claim to be made in effect that they should be awarded the mortgage on their property as a sort of legacy. We think the Auditing Judge was correct in refusing to do so.
The specific devise is adeemed, or, more exactly, fails of effect because at the date of the will there was nothing on which it could operate. The direction to “pay off” the encumbrances must fall with it. The whole plan of the testator *168and the language which he used, are predicated on the property passing under the will. However much we may suppose that the testator would have directed the satisfaction of the mortgage if the correct- circumstances had been present in his mind (or that of the scrivener), we can only go by what he said.
The exceptions are dismissed and the adjudication is confirmed absolutely.
Lamorelle, P. J., did not sit.