Smith v. Lawton

Syllabus

In this probate action, the estates of Mary Smith, Annabelle Thornton, Emma Smalls, and Janine Gourdine (collectively, Children) appeal the circuit court's order affirming the probate court's order probating the will of Lucinda Pringle (Decedent), which devised property to Decedent's grandchildren: Evelina Moses, Thomas Brown, and Rebecca Brown (collectively, Grandchildren). On appeal, Children argue the probate court erred in probating the will because (1) there was no evidence the will was properly executed, (2) the will was altered, and (3) the reopening of Decedent's estate (the Estate) was not timely. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for an evidentiary hearing on whether there was proper execution of the will.