Faulty will case highlights holographic wills and probate rules
An elderly woman left her entire estate to a dog and a friend on a handwritten postcard, disinheriting her niece. Probate ruled the will invalid as dogs cannot inherit, misreading the intent. Lawyer Kay Cushing notes holographic wills are cheap but often poorly drafted, and dying without a will means state succession rules apply.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aher Dog
Clyde West
Fido
Clyde
Kay Cushing
Dublin
Ms. Cushing
California
How to plan property and wills for surviving spouses
The article explains community property rules for surviving spouses, joint tenancy as a method to declare titled property as community, and the inheritance order if there is no surviving spouse. It discusses wills to reduce taxes, codicils, and the caution against self drafted holographic wills with an example ending with Mae Morse dated February 14 1969.
Holographic Will Illustrations and Probate Pointers
A testator declares a handwritten last will gifting all property to Mary Doe and names Thomas Doe as executor without bond, with Anna Jones as alternate executor. The document notes holographic wills may not require witnesses and lists common phrases for executors, taxes, and asset disposition.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bond James
Doe
100 Main Street
San Francisco
California
Anna Jones
T. Mary Doe
Also Mentioned on This Page
Pioneer Club
Merchant
Newark Flowers & Gifts
Newark Blvd
Staip
San Jose
Calif
Mae Morse
George T. Morse
George T Morse
Main St
San Jose, California
Thomas Doe
Mary Doe
John Barnes
Barnes
Keith A. Fair
Fair
Keith Fair
Ry Oem
OGG
Fremont Blvd
AAS Il
Edua
Edie
S&t
Srkee
Rey
Asa
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