This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Decedent added Goddard (D) to the signature card of his savings account. The signature card provided that the funds in the account were owned by the signatories as joint tenants with right of survivorship. D never deposited or withdrew funds from the account. Later, decedent delivered a letter to the bank indicating that he wished to change his accounts to have his caretaker, Stevens (later Franklin) (P) added as a joint tenant. A second letter to the bank indicated that P was to have access to decedent's lockbox and checking and savings accounts to take care of decedent's bills. Bank employees testified that the names on a signature card would not be changed on the basis of such letters. The most recent signature card still bore D's signature. After decedent's death, P filed suit on behalf of the estate, claiming that the savings account was the property of the estate. The bank interpleaded D, who claimed the funds as joint tenant of the account. P appeals, arguing that decedent did not intend to make a gift of the account to D, and she is therefore not a joint tenant.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.