Skipworth v. Skipworth

This appeal arises from a challenge by Clarence Skipworth, brother of W.C. Skipworth, to the appointment of Mary Burke Skipworth as administratrix of the estate of W.C. (Bill) Skipworth. The trial court, after hearing the evidence ore tenus, found that Mary Burke Skipworth was the common-law wife of Bill Skipworth, and therefore may be appointed. We affirm.

Extensive testimony was presented to the trial court, and though some of it was in conflict, the following information can be gleaned from the record. Mary Burke and Bill Skipworth were originally married in 1960 when they were both in…