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In re Estate of Patten
Montana Supreme Court
587 P.2d 1307 (1978)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Ella Patten executed a valid will in 1968. The will named her son, Robert Patten (defendant), as the executor. In 1970, Ella executed a second will, but this will was invalidly executed. This 1970 invalid will named Ella’s other son, Donald Patten (plaintiff), as the executor. The 1970 will also varied some of the disposition of the estate. After Ella’s death, the original 1968 will could not be found. Donald filed a petition to probate a copy of the 1968 will as a lost will. The district court declined to apply the doctrine of dependent relative revocation and granted summary judgment to Robert, finding that the 1968 will was revoked and denying Donald’s petition. Donald appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Haswell, C.J.)
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