Winkler v. Quackenbush

The issue in this case is whether a decree of divorce in favor of George R. Winkler against Phyllis L. Winkler became effective before her death.

George and Phyllis Winkler were married in 1969. Both had sons by prior marriages. In April 1975, George filed a libel for divorce. Twelve days later Phyllis executed a will leaving everything to her son Nathan Howes and made no mention of George.

The divorce action was tried contested before a marital master, Henry P. Sullivan, Esq., who made a report which was approved by the Court (King, J.), decreeing a divorce for the cause of irreconcilable…