Vaughn v. Shank

In this appeal, we consider whether the trial court erred in upholding the report of an assistant commissioner of accounts (the commissioner), who found that Helen Vaughn had failed to prove her claim against the estate of Ruth M. Conner. Vaughn alleged that Conner had agreed orally to transfer certain real property to her in exchange for Vaughn’s services.

The record shows that, pursuant to a foster care agreement of the Shenandoah County Board of Public Welfare, Vaughn began living in the Conner household in 1970 at age 12 and remained there until her marriage in 1976. The testimony given…