Kaufman v. Richmond

Mortimer Kaufman, as executor of the estate of Rhoda Mae Kaufman (executor), filed a complaint in the Probate and Family Court seeking reformation of two disclaimers executed by Rhoda concerning her interest in property she was to receive from the estate and revocable trust of her mother, Celia Richmond. On the executor’s motion, a Probate and Family Court judge reported the case to the Appeals Court. We granted the executor’s application for direct appellate review. For the reasons stated below, we allow the requested reformations.

Background. Celia Richmond executed a will in 1995. Under its…