Matter of Estate of Hayes

This is a probate appeal involving a dispute over (1) a $3,500 joint savings account which was purportedly created at the decedent’s direction shortly before his death and naming respondent as the co-owner of the account, and (2) a $2,335 claim by respondent and his wife against the estate for personal services rendered to the decedent, chiefly during his last illness.

Following decedent’s death respondent, who is also the executor of decedent’s will and the duly appointed personal representative of the estate, claimed that he was the rightful owner of the joint savings account.

Petitioner is…