Bonanno v. Connolly

Opinion

ALDRICH, J.

I

INTRODUCTION

A man died intestate. His daughter, girlfriend of 12 years, and his estranged wife, all claimed portions of his estate. The three resolved their disputes in a written settlement agreement. Thereafter, the wife filed petitions pursuant to Probate Code section 13650, asking that her share of the estate (as delineated in the settlement agreement) pass to her without administration and be confirmed as property belonging to her as surviving spouse pursuant to Probate Code section 13500. The probate court granted the surviving wife’s petitions.

The effect of the…