Burkett v. Estate of Milton Burkett

In the absence of a transcript, the probate court's resolution of conflicting evidence relating to a widow's needs and standard of living prior to her husband's death was presumed to be supported by the record.

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Rosie Burkett, as the surviving spouse of Milton Burkett, filed a petition for year’s support. An adult child of the decedent filed a caveat to the petition. Following a bench trial, the probate court awarded Rosie Burkett a year’s support, but stated that due to her separate income, estate and benefits, the entire estate should not be set apart to her as year’s support. The trial court awarded her a life estate in the property where she lives, as well as full interest in and to the household furnishings, goods and appliances. She appeals, alleging the trial court erred in failing to set aside the entire estate on her behalf.

Pursuant to OCGA § 53-3-7,1 the probate court was required to set aside a sufficient amount from the estate for Rosie Burkett’s support and maintenance for the period of twelve months from the date of Milton Burkett’s death. The statute notes that a sufficient amount is that amount necessary to maintain the standard of living that Rosie Burkett had prior to Milton Burkett’s death, and mandates that, in determining that amount, the probate court shall consider 1 the support available to Rosie Burkett from sources other than year’s support, including but not limited to the principal of any separate estate and the income and earning capacity of Rosie Burkett, and 2 such other relevant criteria as the court deems equitable and proper.2 A probate court’s determination regarding the amount to be awarded as year’s support will be upheld by this Court absent an abuse of discretion.3

Burkett v. Estate of Milton Burkett

In the absence of a transcript, the probate court's resolution of conflicting evidence relating to a widow's needs and standard of living prior to her husband's death was presumed to be supported by the record.

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