In Re Estate of Goodlett

Walter James, Jr., executor of the estate of decedent Frank Goodlett, appeals from the judgment of the circuit court of Lake County granting Frank’s widow, Ann Goodlett, her statutory share of Frank’s estate. Ann Goodlett appeals from the lower court’s order finding that she was not entitled to a surviving spouse’s award. As both appeals arose from the same cause in the lower court, we have consolidated the two cases for purposes of appeal.

On March 19, 1980, Frank executed a will leaving his entire estate to his former wife, Lillian M. Goodlett, or, if she did not survive him, to her son,…