Kar v. Hogan

Plaintiffs, stepchildren of Julia Kar, sought to invalidate a deed because of undue influence. From a judgment in favor of defendant, plaintiffs appeal.

John Kar, plaintiffs’ father, married Julia in 1914. Julia, who remained childless, reared plaintiffs as though they were her own children. In 1917, the Kars purchased a farm which, at time of trial, was valued at approximately $300,000. In 1951, John Kar died. In 1953, Julia married Edward Merkiel. In 1957 and 1966, Julia signed wills devising the bulk of her estate to plaintiffs, and creating a life estate in her husband. However, in 1969,…