Bradley v. Bradley
Florida District Court of Appeal
371 So. 2d 168 (1979)
Facts
Louise Bradley, decedent, prepared her will using a form and without the advice of a lawyer. Louise’s form-based will consisted of two pages, printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper. On the first page, Louise handwrote her intended estate disposition and named one of her sons (defendant) as her executor. On the second page, the notary public signed and stamped the will on what should have been Louise’s signature line. Below that, the will was signed by three witnesses. Directly below the witnesses, there was an identification page, printed sideways and made to fit on the bottom of the last page of the will, stating “Will of,” under which Louise signed. The notary signed again below Louise’s signature. Without taking testimony, the trial judge admitted Louise’s will to probate. The only evidence submitted in support of the validity of the will was a sworn-to oath submitted by one of the will’s witnesses, which was prepared using a form. A group of Louise’s heirs who wanted to inherit from Louise under intestate succession (plaintiffs) challenged the will.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Schwartz, J.)
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