Smith v. Smith

For some time prior to November, 1919, Joseph N. Smith was the owner in fee simple of a parcel of land in the city of Detroit upon which was erected an apartment building known as “Forest Apartments.” His first wife died in March, 1919, and Douglas R. Smith was the only child of Joseph N. Smith.

In July, 1919, Joseph N. Smith gave Douglas R. Smith the right to sign checks on an account in the name of Joseph N. Smith in the Dime Savings Bank of Detroit and also named Douglas the beneficiary under two life insurance policies on the life of Joseph N. Smith, but reserved the right to change the…