In Matter of Bouchat

The controversy in this case concerns the final affairs of an elderly gentleman, Lawrence Bouchat, now deceased. When Mr. Bouchat died and his will was admitted to probate his two children, Franklin Bouchat and Lilly Stegelvik, moved the court to declare them pretermitted heirs. Alternatively, Franklin and Lilly contended that Mr. Bouchat was incompetent at the time he executed his will. The trial court ruled in favor of Mr. Bouchat's estate on each claim.

The facts are not in dispute. Franklin and Lilly are Mr. Bouchat's natural-born children. They and the decedent became estranged in the…