In Re Estate of Nikiporez

James Vickers, as personal representative and sole beneficiary of the estate of Timofei Nikiporez, appeals from an award in lieu of homestead to Evdokia Nikiporez who, the court found, was the surviving spouse of decedent.

While much of the evidence produced at trial is alleged to be inadmissible, if properly presented and accepted, it would support the following. The decedent was born in Russia, and in 1921 he married Evdokia Nikiporez in a church ceremony at the village of Riedychev. Their marriage was registered on May 19, 1923, in the Ukraine. He was drafted into the Russian army and left…