Snyder v. Erwin

Citations

• 229 Pa. 644
• 79 A. 124
• 1911 Pa. LEXIS 546

Syllabus

<p>Will — Probate—Undue influence — Meretricious relation — Evidence.</p> <p>1. Where a meretricious relation has been shown to have existed between a testator and the principal beneficiary under his will, and the will diverts the entire estate from the natural objects of the testator’s bounty, and gives it over to a married woman with whom adulterous commerce has been carried on, a presumption of fact arises that the will was procured by undue influence.</p> <p>2. A verdict of a jury against such a will will be sustained where in addition to the meretricious relation, it is shown that the man was seventy-five years of age, that the woman was persistent in following him to his different boarding places, in accompanying him to public places, in showering assiduous attentions upon him in various ways, and in sending him letters addressed in terms of dearest affection, and professing abiding love for him and him alone.</p>