In re Estate of Gladowski
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
396 A.2d 631 (1979)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Joseph Gladowski had seven children, including Ann Mazuran (defendant). In 1966, Gladowski opened a savings account that he held jointly with Mazuran, with rights of survivorship. Gladowski funded the account solely with his money. The bank agreement stated that upon the death of one of the joint tenants, the surviving tenant would own the account. But Mazuran admitted that Gladowski opened the account solely for convenience so that Mazuran could manage Gladowski’s finances when he became physically unable. Mazuran claimed that Gladowski later, at some point before 1970, changed his mind and decided that Mazuran should “have everything.” In 1975, Gladowski signed a will bequeathing his estate’s residue equally to his children. Three of Gladowski’s other children (plaintiffs) filed a petition for a ruling that the proceeds from the savings account should be split equally among the seven children. The trial court denied the petition, holding that Mazuran was entitled to the proceeds as joint accountholder because Gladowski had gifted the funds to her during his lifetime. The three children appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Eagen, C.J.)
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