Citation. Estate of Lakatosh, 441 Pa. Super. 133, 656 A.2d 1378, 1995)
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Brief Fact Summary.
Appellant developed a confidential relationship with the decedent and decedent left virtually her entire estate to appellant. Appellant appeals from a judgment wherein the court refused to admit decedent’s will to probate on the ground of undue influence.
Synopsis of Rule of Law.
When the proponent of a will proves that the formalities of execution have been followed, a contestant who claims there had been undue influence has the burden of proof. The burden pf proof may be shifted so as to require the proponent t disprove undue influence if the contestant proves by clear and convincing evidence: 1) that there was a confidential relationship, 2) that the person enjoying such relationship received the bulk of the estate, and 3) that the decedent’s intellect was weakened.
Facts.
In March 1988, Roger Jacobs, appellant, befriended Rose Lakatosh, decedent, who was then in her seventies and living alone. Appellant assisted decedent around her house and drove her to various appointments. A few months after they met, appellant suggested that decedent give him power of attorney. On November 11, 1988, decedent executed a power of attorney as well as a new will that left all but $1,000 of her $268,000 estate to appellant. Appellant’s second cousin drafted the will, and a tape recording of the execution ceremony evidenced that while decedent didn’t entirely lack competence, she had a “weakened intellect.”
Issue.
Whether the trial court erred in finding that decedent’s will should be revoked because appellant failed to carry his burden of proving the absence of undue influence?
Held.
No. Order of the trial court is affirmed.
The three elements of the test for undue influence were easily met. First, the confidential relationship was established by decedent’s dependency on appellant as well as the power of attorney. Second, appellant received the bulk of the estate. Third, decedent’s intellect was weakened as evidenced by the fact she was an elderly woman unable to prevent the consumption of her assets by the appellant and she was living in filth with her bills unpaid.
Discussion.
Once the burden of disproving undue influence shifts to the proponent of the will, it is incumbent upon the proponent to demonstrate the absence of undue influence by clear and convincing evidence.
