Gardiner v. Vanderwerff

Associate Chief Justice NEHRING,

opinion of the Court:

INTRODUCTION

11 This case involves a challenge by relatives of Mr. Kenneth Vanderwerff to an action for a posthumous declaration of un-solemnized marriage brought by Mr. Van-derwerffs romantic partner and personal representative of his estate-Ms. Janetta Gardiner. We are asked to determine when and how service of process is to be made in the unusual cireumstance where a petitioner seeks a declaration of marriage between herself and someone who has died. This case was certified to us by the court of appeals and comes to us with a complicated…