In re Stewart’s Estate
Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
13 Pa. D. & C.3d 488 (1979)
- Written by Haley Gintis, JD
Facts
In 1978, Stewart died, leaving a will. The will named Stewart’s housekeeper, Grace Gonzales, as the legatee and provided that the residue of Stewart’s estate should be placed in a trust to care for her three cats. The will also contained a charitable donation to Wellesley and directions on how the donation should be distributed if the amount exceeded $15,000. Because Stewart had named her cats as the beneficiary of the trust, the trust could not be given legal effect. Therefore, Stewart’s accountant made arrangements with Gonzales to care for the cats and requested that Gonzales receive $5,000 from the estate’s residue. Wellesley College agreed to the accountant’s request on the ground that the college receive any funds remaining after the death of the last cat. The court considered the request.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Taxis, J.)
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