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Wills, Trusts & Estates Keyed to Sterk
Estate of Norton
Citation:
330 N.C. 378, 410 S.E.2d 484 (1991)Facts
Teab Norton sought to probate an eight-page document as the will of Lawrence Norton, who died in 1987. The document consisted of six signed pages labeled as Lawrence’s “Last Will and Testament,” lacking witness signatures, and two stapled pages constituting a properly executed codicil from 1984. Testimony supported the will’s authenticity, including notarization under Lawrence’s direction and prior preparation by legal professionals. The document was found in Lawrence’s safe-deposit box alongside other codicils. The court examined its validity as Lawrence’s last will based on evidence of intent and proper execution.
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