Estate of Derickson CA4/1
The proceedings related to decedent Linn W. Derickson's holographic will have been protracted. Little of the past litigation, however, has a bearing on this appeal. We are tasked instead with a simple question of interpretation: Who is the person alternately referred to in the will as "Janet Derickson nee Whelan," "Janet Derickson-Whelan," and "Janet Derickson, Whelan"?
The decedent had two "Janets" in his life: (1) a daughter named Janet Benninghoff, who was known as Janet Derickson before she married; and (2) a companion, associate, paramour, or friend of sorts named Janet Whelan. Whelan contends that she is "Janet Derickson [] Whelan." The estate administrator and Benninghoff assert that Benninghoff is.
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