Ware v. Crowell

In this appeal, we consider whether a written release of an expectancy interest in an ancestor’s estate bars the releasing party from taking property under the terms of the ancestor’s will.

Edna Jensen Buric and her two adult children, Shirley M. Crowell and Robert W. Jensen, owned real property in Illinois as tenants in common. In 1985, Buric wanted to sell the property, but Crowell refused. Buric then brought an action in an Illinois circuit court, seeking a ruling that a quitclaim deed to the property conveyed a fee simple interest to her alone.

In December 1985, Crowell entered into a…