Thomas v. Sands

Carley, Justice.

In 2000, Melvin Thomas, Sr. (Testator) executed a will in which he left one dollar to Appellant Melvin Thomas, Jr., who was his only son, and left the remainder of his property to Lecia Sands, who was his longtime friend and was also named as executor. After Testator’s death in 2005, Ms. Sands petitioned to probate a copy of the will. Appellant filed a caveat and, after a hearing, the probate court admitted the will to probate in solemn form.

Appellant appealed to the superior court. After a bench trial, the superior court ruled that Ms. Sands rebutted the statutory presump…