Williams v. Murray

Hall, Justice.

This is an equity action involving the issue of a virtual adoption.

Appellee, Betty Jean Murray, filed suit in the Superior Court of Appling County against appellant, as executor of Cora Mixon’s estate, seeking a ruling that she had been virtually adopted by Horace and Cora Mixon in 1938, and was Cora Mixon’s sole heir. The case was heard by a jury who returned a verdict in favor of the appellee, and a decree was entered granting the relief prayed. Appellant’s motion for new trial was denied; he appeals.

Virtual or equitable adoption is usually invoked to avoid an unfair result…