Laycock v. Hammer

Opinion

BENKE, J.

The decedent in this case, Spearl Ellison, purchased a substantial life insurance policy 13 years before his death and assigned all of his interest in the policy, including the right to any benefits, to an irrevocable life insurance trust he had established. When Ellison died the life insurance company paid $767,263.70 in death benefits to the trustee of the trust, Ellison’s grandaughter, respondent Lynda Laycock.

Shortly before Ellison’s death, appellants Leonard H. Hammer, Jr., Hammer Realty Group, Inc., and KanTex Hospitality, Inc. (collectively Hammer), had obtained a $4.65…