Vellenga v. Thistlethwaite

This is an appeal by right from a probate court order determining the heirs of Donald James Vellenga for purposes of intestate succession. Donald James Vellenga died on December 23, 1980, and was survived by appellants James Vellenga and Eunice Carr, his parents. Nicole Elizabeth Earl was born on December 29, 1980, and is the daughter of Cathi Earl. Various relatives and friends of the deceased testified that the deceased had told them before his death that Cathi Earl’s then-unborn child was his. Several of the witnesses testified that the deceased had discussed plans to marry Cathi Earl.…