Beek v. Speakman

BY judge Michael P. McWeeny

This case requires the Court to determine the validity of a Deed of Gift, a Will, and a Power of Attorney. The questions before the Court are whether Mrs. Hazel Speakman had the requisite capacity when she executed the documents; and whether the documents were the product of undue influence.

Factual and Procedural Background

Mrs. Speakman executed the challenged documents on May 22, 1997. At that time, Mrs. Speakman exhibited signs of dementia. Taken together, these documents substantially disinherited three of Mrs. Speakman’s four daughters. This disposition did not…