Steiner v. Eikerling

Opinion

POCHE, J.

The primary focus of this appeal is whether any cause of action can be stated against those who knowingly prepare and offer a forged will for probate.

I

Plaintiffs and appellants are the heirs of Franz Benno Steiner, deceased, and the administrators of his estate (appellants or American relatives); defendants and respondents are the beneficiaries and executor under the purported will (respondents or German relatives).

On April 1, 1976, the testator, a resident of Marin County, California, died while on vacation in West Germany. Keeping his death secret, the German relatives came…