Estate of Wagner
Idaho Supreme Court
893 P.2d 211 (1995)
- Written by Darius Dehghan, JD
Facts
Elizabeth Becker (plaintiff) and Bryan Wagner lived together without obtaining a marriage license. During their relationship, Becker and Wagner filed separate tax returns. Moreover, Becker and Wagner kept their money in separate bank accounts. Wagner later died without a will. Subsequently, Becker filed a petition to be appointed personal representative of Wagner’s estate, contending that she was Wagner’s common-law wife. Terry Hall (defendant), Wagner’s mother, opposed the petition, arguing that Becker was not Wagner’s common-law wife. The magistrate judge held that a common-law marriage did not exist between Becker and Wagner. The district court reversed, finding that a common-law marriage existed between Becker and Wagner. Hall appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Silak, J.)
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