Lewis v. Petty

Frank Holt, Justice.

The probate court determined appellee to be the illegitimate daughter of the intestate decedent, who was never married. The appellants are collateral heirs, who question this ruling. The trial court found there was clear, cogent and convincing proof that appellee, Carmen Petty, is the illegitimate daughter of the decedent Major William Lewis. Appellants Insist that the court erred in finding this to be the correct test of the necessary proof. They argue that the degree of accuracy in this paternity action can only be assured by some form of the written acknowledgement of…