In re Estate of Hegner

Plaintiff filed a lawsuit in which he claimed entitlement to a portion of the decedent’s estate under the theory of equitable adoption. Defendants objected to plaintiff’s jury demand and right to a trial by jury and the trial court struck his jury demand. The trial court also barred much of plaintiff’s testimony at a subsequent bench trial under the Dead-Man’s Act. The court entered judgment for the defendants and plaintiff appealed. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the trial court did not err in its ruling or judgment. (VAN TINE and McBRIDE, concurring)