Steelsmith v. Trout

SCHROEDER, Justice.

This is a contest involving the will of Laurence Steelsmith (the Testator). A dispute involving the interpretation of a conditional bequest has arisen between Clarence Steel-smith (Steelsmith) and James “Butch” Trout (Trout). Clarence is the Testator’s brother, business partner, and personal representative of the Testator’s estate. Trout is the Testator’s cousin and beneficiary under the Testator’s will. The dispute involves the interpretation of a provision in the Testator’s will that bequeaths 98% of his interest in the Steelsmith Brothers partnership to Trout on…