Watts v. Baldwin
Watts v. Baldwin
Opinion of the Court
The bill of exceptions here seeks a review of a judgment overruling general and special demurrers to an equitable petition brought by Marilyn D. Miller Baldwin against Clarence D. Watts Jr., wherein the plaintiff sought to restrain the defendant from trespassing on a certain improved tract of real estate, and a decree declaring the plaintiff has co-
The demurrers referred to above raise this question: where real property has been set aside as a year’s support to a widow and her daughter, can the daughter maintain an action against a third person for trespass upon property which was set aside as a year’s support and occupied jointly by the widow and daughter, where the only allegation in the petition why the action is not brought by the widow is that she “has, failed to take necessary steps to protect” the interest of the daughter? Where property is set aside as a year’s support to a widow and minor child, the widow is entitled to control the property as long as it lasts or as long as she lives, even though the child marry or become of age. The title vests in the widow and child. .The widow has the exclusive control and management of the prop
The other grounds of demurrer, not being argued or insisted upon, are treated as abandoned.
Judgment reversed.
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting. It is settled law that, where a life tenant fails and refuses to protect the estate, a remainderman can maintain an action in his own name for that purpose. The opinion seems to recognize the above rule of law, but places its reversal upon the ground that the petitioner should have alleged facts showing such failure to act instead of conclusions. I am unable to agree that the allegation that the mother had neglected to take appropriate action to prevent the trespass and preserve the property is a conclusion. .It is a positive averment of a fact. It is not required by law that there be allegations of fact upon which this allegation of fact is based'. It is immaterial what reason prompted the mother to fail to take action to protect the property. It is enough to authorize the daughter to maintain this action when she shows a trespass that injures the property and that the mother is doing nothing to prevent it.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.