Grass v. Ward

This is a dispute between a stepfather, E.J. Ward, and a stepdaughter, Betty Grass, over rights in a house at 558 Glenwood Street in Mobile, following the death of Mabel Ward. Mabel Ward, who died intestate, was the wife of E.J. Ward and the mother of Betty Grass. The question here is whether E.J. Ward was entitled to a life estate in the property pursuant to the statutory right of curtesy, thereby precluding immediate possession of the premises by Betty Grass. The trial court found the interest of Betty Grass in the house subject to a life estate in her stepfather. We affirm.

Mabel Ward had…