Lasater v. House

RUCKER, Justice.

The question presented is whether in a will contest the hearsay statements of a testator are admissible to prove undue influence. We conclude they are not.

Background and Procedural History

In May 1994, Opal Pullen, a widow with no children, executed her last will and testament leaving $1,000 each to two charitable organizations and $2,000 each to five family members, including her nephew Donald House. Pullen left the rest and residue of her estate, which included a 120-acre farm, to her neighbors, Gene and Carolyn Lasater. The Star Trust Company was named as personal…