Caflisch v. Staum

¶ 1. Randy Caflisch appeals the probate court's construction of Bessie Kuhn's will. Kuhn used a standard Wisconsin basic will. The will lists four recipients in the section for gifting property. However, although the will contains instructions that a signature is required next to every gift, there is no signature next to the gift for the final recipient, Julie Paskavis (n/k/a Julie Staum). The probate court concluded that Kuhn had substantially complied with the instructions and found the gift valid. Because the statute requires the testator's signature in order to make the gift, we reverse…