Williams v. Studstill
Georgia Supreme Court
251 Ga. 466 (1983)

- Written by Darius Dehghan, JD
Facts
Alice Studstill died in 1970. She conveyed 750 acres of land to her children, Mary Ella Williams (defendant) and James Studstill, as joint tenants and “to the survivor of them in fee simple.” In 1980, Mary Ella conveyed her interest to her nephew, James Williams (defendant), keeping a life estate for herself. In 1982, James Studstill died, leaving his wife, Louise Studstill (plaintiff), as his sole heir. Louise brought suit against Mary Ella and James Williams, claiming a one-half interest in the property. The trial court found that a joint tenancy was created but was severed by Mary Ella’s conveyance to James Williams, such that Louise inherited her husband’s interest as a tenant in common. Mary Ella and James Williams appealed to the state supreme court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Hill, C.J.)
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