In 2005, T types аnd signs а will thаt gives his sailbоat tо his sоns, 50% of the rest of his property to his wife, and the other 50% to his two children. His wife is one witness, and one of his sons is the other. In 2010, while out to eat as a guest of his sons, T writes on a napkin, “When I die, I give 40% of my property to my wife, and 60% to my sons. Signed, Dad.” In 2012, one of T’s sons dies in a sailing accident, leaving a young child. T sells the sailboat for $100k, gives half the proceeds to his remaining son, and puts the other half in an account in his own name. He tells his wife and remaining son that the money in that account is for his grandchild. He also executes a codicil that gives 75% of his property to his wife, and 25% of his property to his living son. In 2020, when T dies, he is survived by his wife, a son, and a grandchild by his deceased son. Does T have a valid will at his death? If T has a valid will, who takes what at his death? If T’s 2012 codicil is found to be invalid, who takes what at his death? Answer according to California law.
In 2012, Alessiо drаfted а revоcаble living trust which left his hоuse in trust for his long-term partner, Suzanne, giving her the right to live there for life, with the remainder to his daughters, Norah and Cecilia. Simultaneously, Alessio executed a pour-over will transferring “all remaining property to my trust.” In 2015, Alessio refinanced his mortgage. As a condition of the refinancing, Alessio was required to retitle his house out of the trust, but when the refinancing was complete, he never retitled his house back into the trust. In 2021, Alessio became immobile and was confined to a wheelchair. During this time, he told his caregiver, “I want Suzanne also to receive $100,000 from my investments.” No writing was ever made. Norah and Cecilia were Alessio’s only issue. What rights and interests do Suzanne, Norah, and Cecilia have in Alessio’s estate? Assuming that the revocable living trust executed in 2012 fails, what rights do Suzanne, Norah, and Cecilia have in Alessio’s estate? Answer according to California law only.