Chicago Title & Trust Co. v. Vance

This case requires construction of a will, executed in 1921, and republished by a codicil, executed in 1924, limiting gifts over to the “lawful issue” of the testator’s children. The plaintiff, Chicago Title & Trust Co., as trustee, filed its amended complaint for interpleader seeking resolution of the conflicting claims asserted by defendants. The trial court held, inter alia, that adopted children were entitled to share in the proceeds of their mother’s trust share.

The sole issue is whether the testator, Morris S. Rosenwald, intended that his children’s adopted children should share in his…