Eyford v. Nord
The court held that, under Probate Code § 6100.5(a)(2), a trust may be set aside only when the challenger proves the testator's delusion meets the statutory definition-i.e., beyond a reasonable hypothesis-so because the appellants offered no substantial evidence that the grandmother's irrational beliefs satisfied that definition, the trust was upheld.
Date Filed: March 18, 2021
Case Name: Eyford v. Nord
Case Number: A157962
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three
(‘The court decides whether a decedent’s trust can be set aside under Probate Code §\u202f6100.5(a)(2) on the ground that the testator suffered a delusion that destroyed testamentary capacity. It affirms the trial court, holding that the appellants failed to produce substantial evidence that the grandmother’s irrational beliefs met the statutory definition of a delusion, so the trust remains valid. The ruling underscores that, in California probate disputes, the burden is on the challenger to prove a delusion beyond a reasonable hypothesis, and mere irrational or unfounded beliefs are insufficient to invalidate a trust.’, ‘d8f632e9’)
This case summary was prepared for educational purposes. For the authoritative version, please refer to the full opinion or the official California Courts website.