Jackson v. Kelly

Annabelle Clinton Imber, Justice.

This appeal raises an issue of first impression — whether Arkansas recognizes the tort of intentional interference with inheritance. We decline to recognize the tort in this case because the appellant’s remedy in probate court would have been adequate had she prevailed in her will contest.

Alta Austin died in 1997, and was survived by her two children, Juanita Jackson and Tommy Austin. Following her death, Tommy Austin petitioned the Lonoke County Probate Court to have her January 14, 1994 will admitted to probate. The will named Tommy as the sole beneficiary…