Gala Johnson-Murray v. Rodney Burns

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
November 2, 2016 Session
GALA JOHNSON-MURRAY ET AL. V. RODNEY BURNS ET AL.
Appeal from the Chancery Court for Williamson County
No. P-6421 Joseph A. Woodruff, Judge
No. M2016-00431-COA-R3-CV - Filed March 14, 2017
Nieces of the decedent contest the validity of a quitclaim deed and the decedent‟s will on
the ground they were the result of undue influence exerted upon the decedent by her
stepson and his wife. The quitclaim deed conveyed the decedent‟s real property to
herself, her stepson, and his wife as joint tenants with right of survivorship. The will
bequeathed the decedent‟s entire estate to her stepson. Following a jury trial, the jury
found that the deed and will were both valid. The nieces appeal, contending there is no
material evidence to support the jury‟s verdict. They also contend the trial court erred by
instructing the jury that the stepson, who was the decedent‟s attorney-in-fact, had the
authority to sign the will and deed on behalf of the decedent. We have determined that
the record contains material evidence to support the jury‟s verdict. As for the jury
instructions, the trial court erred by instructing the jury that the stepson had the authority
to sign the will on behalf of the decedent as her attorney-in-fact because it would not
comply with mandatory requirements of the Tennessee Execution of Wills Act. With
regard to whether the stepson could sign the deed on behalf of the decedent, the answer
and jury instruction were incomplete to such an extent as to constitute an erroneous
instruction. Nevertheless, having considered the jury instruction in its entirety, we are
unable to conclude that these errors more probably than not affected the outcome of the
verdict. Therefore, we affirm.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed
FRANK G. CLEMENT, JR., P.J., M.S., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ANDY D.
BENNETT and W. NEAL MCBRAYER, JJ., joined.
Jonathan L. Miley, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellants, Gala Johnson-Murray and
Bertha Mary Murray.
J. Timothy Street, Franklin, Tennessee, for the appellees, Rodney Burns and Aretha Kaye
Burns.
OPINION
Elizabeth Jones Patton (“the decedent”) died on January 17, 2012, at the age of 95.
She was survived by two nieces, Bertha Murray and Gala Johnson-Murray (“Plaintiffs”),
and her stepson and his wife, Rodney Burns and Aretha Burns, respectively
(“Defendants”).1
One month after the decedent‟s death, Rodney Burns filed a Small Estate Affidavit
with the Chancery (Probate) Court of Williamson County, stating the estate had assets of
less than $25,000. On February 21, 2012, Gala Johnson-Murray filed a petition to admit
to probate a document dated December 10, 1985, purporting to be the last will and
testament of the decedent (“the 1985 will”). In the 1985 will, the decedent bequeathed
and devised the entirety of her estate to Plaintiffs2 with the exception of property at 8237
Horton Highway, College Grove, Tennessee (“the Horton Property”), which was devised
to Rodney Burns.
Rodney Burns filed a response to the petition claiming that he was in possession of
the decedent‟s more recent will and submitted for probate a document dated November 9,
2010, likewise purporting to be the decedent‟s last will and testament (“the 2010 will”).
In the 2010 will, the decedent revoked all prior wills, disinherited Plaintiffs, and named
Rodney Burns as the sole beneficiary. Mr. Burns also submitted a quitclaim deed dated
November 9, 2010 (“the 2010 deed”), conveying the Horton Property from the decedent
to herself and Defendants as joint tenants with right of survivorship, as well as a
document dated November 29, 2011, purporting to be the first codicil to the 2010 will
(“the 2011 codicil”). The 2011 codicil designated Aretha Burns as the sole beneficiary in
the event her husband predeceased the decedent.
On September 25, 2012, Plaintiffs filed a petition to contest the validity of the
2010 will and the 2011 codicil. Plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint to
declare the 2010 deed null and void and to quiet title to the real property in the estate.
Plaintiffs alleged that the decedent was not of sound mind and body when the deed, will,
and codicil were executed and that all three instruments were the result of Defendants‟
undue influence.
By order entered on November 13, 2012, the trial court identified the issues to be
determined. The issues relevant to this appeal are: (1) the competency of the decedent in
executing the 2010 deed, the 2010 will, and the 2011 codicil; (2) whether the deed, will,
1
The decedent had no children. Rodney Burns is the son of the decedent‟s husband, who
predeceased her by many years. Mr. Burns came to live with decedent when he was five-years old.
2
Bertha Murray and Eula Lee Johnson were beneficiaries under the 1985 will. Eula Lee Johnson
is deceased, and she is survived by her only child, Gala Johnson-Murray.
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or codicil were procured by Defendants exerting undue influence on the decedent; and (3)
if the 2010 will is not valid, whether the 1985 will is valid.
The case was tried before a jury, and the testimony revealed the following:
Rodney Burns lived with the decedent at the Horton Property from the time he was five-
years old until he married Aretha Burns in 1985, at which time he and his wife moved
into the home next door to the decedent, where they remain. The decedent suffered a
stroke in 2005, at which time Defendants began assisting the decedent by, inter alia,
cleaning the house and taking her to doctor‟s appointments. Mr. Burns also explained that
he worked during the day and that he installed a gate at the decedent‟s home to keep
strangers from coming upon the decedent‟s property while she was at home alone.
Several of the decedent‟s family members and friends testified that the decedent
was very close with her extended family. Howard Rucker, a pastor and distant cousin of
the decedent, testified that he had a good relationship with the decedent. Mr. Rucker
stated that he frequently visited the decedent in her home, from 2010 up until her death.
He also stated that he visited the decedent after the gate was installed and that he never
saw the gate chained and locked. He further testified that once the gate was installed, he
could go around the side of the gate. Mr. Rucker testified that the decedent always
recognized him when he visited. He described the decedent as a highly respected lady
and that you could not talk her into something she didn‟t want to do. When asked if the
decedent had lost her mental abilities, Mr. Rucker responded that the decedent was
“always sharp-minded.”
Hattie May Smith, who is Mr. Rucker‟s sister, testified that she was good friends
with the decedent and would often visit the decedent‟s home. She testified that on one
occasion when she visited the decedent in September of 2010, she was unable to enter the
house through the front door because linoleum or carpet had detached from the floor,
which prevented it from opening. Ms. Smith also stated that she noticed a smell of urine
coming from the house. Subsequently, Ms. Smith made a referral to the Adult Protective
Services division of the Tennessee Department of Human Services (“the Department”).
Ms. Smith testified that, approximately one month later, she contacted the Department a
second time because she observed cars blocking the decedent‟s driveway.
Lori Bartlett, who is employed by the Department, investigated the referrals of
self-neglect in reference to the decedent. Ms. Bartlett stated that the decedent would
spend some nights at her residence and some nights at Defendants‟ residence next door.
She testified that the decedent needed some assistance in the home, e.g., help with meals
because she had difficulty seeing and assistance with medications and other activities
such as getting bath water ready. Regarding the first referral, Ms. Bartlett confirmed that
it was difficult to get into the house through the front door and that there was an odor of
urine in the house. She addressed those issues with Defendants, and the case was
subsequently closed as invalid because Ms. Bartlett determined that Defendants were
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assisting the decedent adequately. As to the second referral, Ms. Bartlett determined it to
be invalid because the decedent was receiving the help that she needed. Specifically, Ms.
Bartlett testified that there were no concerns that the decedent was being neglected. Ms.
Bartlett testified that following her investigations into the two referrals of self-neglect,
she was satisfied that the decedent was capable of taking care of herself with some
assistance. She further testified that the decedent indicated that she did not want to be
bothered by Hattie May Smith anymore and that Defendants contacted the Williamson
County Sheriff‟s Department. Ms. Bartlett testified that she spoke to the officer and
confirmed that the decedent did not want Ms. Smith in her home.
Aretha Burns testified that, following Ms. Bartlett‟s first visit, the decedent
executed three powers of attorney to Rodney Burns, with Aretha Burns to be the
successor power of attorney.3 Ms. Burns testified that the powers of attorney were a
product of the suggestion of Ms. Bartlett. The powers of attorney were executed on
September 20, 2010. Upon execution, Ms. Burns transmitted the documents to the
Department via facsimile. However, both Aretha and Rodney Burns testified that the
powers of attorney were never exercised.
Rodney Burns testified that he never attempted to restrict family members or
friends from seeing the decedent, other than Hattie May Smith. Regarding the decedent‟s
finances, Mr. Burns testified that the decedent would endorse her social security checks,
and then he would cash them and give the money directly to her. Mr. Burns explained
that the decedent would then give him the money to pay her bills and that there was little,
if any, money left over after her bills were paid. He stated that they followed this protocol
for over twenty-two years and it was not changed after obtaining the powers of attorney.
The jury also heard deposition testimony from the decedent‟s doctor, Gwendolyn
Howard, M.D, which revealed the following: Dr. Howard began treating the decedent
following the decedent‟s May 2005 stroke. Dr. Howard noted that the decedent did not
have any deficits subsequent to the stroke and was not suffering from any residual effects
of the stroke. Dr. Howard testified that Rodney Burns brought the decedent to all of her
appointments and that the decedent “seemed like she was extremely well cared for.” As
to the decedent‟s mental capacity, Dr. Howard testified that, up until shortly before her
death, the decedent was “aware of her surroundings and what was going.” Dr. Howard
saw the decedent in October and November of 2010 at which times her cognition and
understanding were “very good given her age.”
3
The three documents are titled: Durable Unlimited Power of Attorney, Effective Only Upon
Disability; Durable Unlimited Power of Attorney, Effective Immediately; and Unlimited Power of
Attorney.
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As to the procurement of the 2010 deed, Rodney Burns testified that the decedent
told him that she “had gotten to the age where she [couldn‟t] take care of the property
like she used to, and she wanted [him] to have [the Horton Property] so [he] could
continue taking care of it.” Mr. Burns testified that the decedent chose attorney Fred
Dance to draft the deed because Mr. Dances‟ father had rendered legal services to the
decedent and her late husband in the past. The 2010 deed was prepared by Mr. Dance a
week or two before the execution date of the 2010 will. The deed conveyed the Horton
Property from the decedent, who was the sole owner of the property, to herself and
Defendants as joint tenants with right of survivorship.
As for the 2010 will, Jesse Eugene Bennett, a friend and former employer of the
decedent, testified that the decedent expressed to him that she wanted to make a will.4
Mr. Bennett agreed to assist the decedent and told her that she would need to put her
wishes in writing. Following her conversation with Mr. Bennett, the decedent sent a
written note to Mr. Bennett that set forth her wishes. Mr. Bennett then engaged
LegalZoom to draft a will consistent with the decedent‟s instructions. Mr. Bennett also
testified that he paid for the will to be prepared by LegalZoom but that he did not write
the will; he merely forwarded the decedent‟s written instructions. When Mr. Bennett
received a package from LegalZoom, he opened it to make sure it was the decedent‟s
will, determined it was, and sent the draft will to the decedent. According to Mr. Bennett,
the decedent, although “frail,” was still “sharp” and “had all of her facilities [sic]” at that
time.
Rodney Burns took the decedent to the bank on November 9, 2010, where the
decedent executed both the 2010 deed and the 2010 will in the presence of two witnesses
and a notary.5 Nathaniel Burgess, the manager of the bank, notarized the signatures to
both documents. Mr. Burgess testified that he was satisfied the decedent was of sound
mind and not under any undue influence. When questioned whether he could recall if the
decedent was blind or had bad vision, Mr. Burgess responded that “she seemed perfectly
capable.” He further testified that the decedent looked at the document and was able to
sign her name without any guidance or assistance. Mr. Burgess‟s testimony was
corroborated by Walter Mack Turner, a witness to the 2010 will, who testified that the
decedent didn‟t appear to have any disabilities and that she used her own hand to sign the
2010 will.
4
Mr. Bennett testified that he had known the decedent for over forty years and that he considered
her a highly trusted confidant. He further testified that the decedent would come to him for advice and
that he felt like “she put a lot of confidence in [him].”
5
When questioned as to why the deed was not executed at the time it was picked up at Mr.
Dance‟s office, Mr. Burns explained that “[he] wanted to read it back to [the decedent] to make sure that‟s
what she wanted.”
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Elizabeth Russell testified that she was a witness to the 2011 codicil, which the
decedent executed on November 29, 2011, in the law offices of Timothy Street. Ms.
Russell, an attorney, testified that the decedent was advanced in age and in a wheelchair
but that she did not know if the decedent was blind. Ms. Russell also stated that the
codicil was read aloud to the decedent, slowly and audibly, by an employee at the law
office. She said the decedent was aware of what was going on and expressed that the
codicil embodied her intent. Ms. Russell stated that a legal-sized clipboard was given to
the decedent so that she could hold the codicil in her lap and stay in the wheelchair while
she signed it. Ms. Russell explained that there was no armrest on the wheelchair, so
Rodney Burns helped steady the decedent‟s arm. Ms. Russell explained that the decedent
held the pen as she executed the document and that Rodney Burns was simply providing
support for her arm.
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury entered into deliberations. While in
deliberations, the jury submitted the following question: “If [Rodney Burns] had power
of attorney, could he sign Will and Deed for [the decedent]?” The trial judge responded
“Yes” and provided the jury with a citation of Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-5-104, the general
statutory duty of an attorney-in fact, which reads:
Instruments in relation to real or personal property, executed by an agent or
attorney, may be signed by such agent or attorney for the principal, or by
writing the name of the principal by that person as agent or attorney; or by
simply writing the agent‟s or attorney‟s own name or the principal‟s name,
if the instrument on its face shows the character in which it is intended to
be executed.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-5-104.
Following deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Defendants. On the
jury verdict form, the jury was asked to answer two questions; the questions and the
jury‟s answers are as follows:
1) Is the document dated November 9, 2010 entitled “Last Will and
Testament” the valid Last Will and Testament of the decedent, Elizabeth
Jones Patton? ANSWER: Yes.
2) Is the Deed dated November 9, 2010 conveying property as 8235
Horton Highway, College Grove, TN 37046 from Elizabeth Jones Patton,
Rodney Burns and Aretha Burns a valid Deed? ANSWER: Yes.
After the trial court entered the judgment, Plaintiffs filed a timely motion for a
directed verdict or in the alternative a new trial, which was denied. This appeal followed.
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ANALYSIS
Plaintiffs contend we must set aside the jury‟s verdict because it is “wholly
unsupported by the evidence.” They contend the evidence proved the existence of a
confidential relationship, that Defendants exercised undue influence over the decedent to
obtain the 2010 will and 2010 deed, which benefited Defendants, and that Defendants
failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the 2010 will and deed were fair to
the decedent. Plaintiffs also contend that the trial court committed reversible error in
answering the jury‟s question “yes” and by supplementing the instructions with Tenn.
Code Ann. § 66-5-104. We will address each issue in turn.
I. SETTING ASIDE THE JURY’S VERDICT
“Findings of fact by a jury in civil actions shall be set aside only if there is no
material evidence to support the verdict.” Tenn. R. App. P. 13(d). “Material evidence is
evidence material to the question in controversy, which must necessarily enter into the
consideration of the controversy and by itself, or in connection with the other evidence,
be determinative of the case.” Meals ex rel. Meals v. Ford Motor Co., 417 S.W.3d 414,
422 (Tenn. 2013). When determining whether there is material evidence to support a jury
verdict, we must “take the strongest legitimate view of all the evidence in favor of the
verdict, assume the truth of all evidence that supports the verdict, allow all reasonable
inferences to sustain the verdict, and discard all countervailing evidence.” Akers v. Prime
Succession of Tenn., Inc., 387 S.W.3d 495, 501-02 (Tenn. 2012) (quoting Barkes v. River
Park Hosp., Inc., 328 S.W.3d 829, 833 (Tenn. 2010)). Moreover, we are not permitted to
reweigh the evidence or decide where the preponderance of the evidence lies. Meals, 417
S.W.3d at 423. If there is any material evidence to support the verdict, we must affirm it;
otherwise, the parties would be deprived of their constitutional right to trial by jury. Id.
As our Supreme Court has explained:
The material evidence analysis is very deferential to the award by the jury
and the judgment of the trial court when it affirms the verdict as the
thirteenth juror. It matters not a whit where the weight or preponderance of
the evidence lies under a material evidence review. It is simply a search of
the record to ascertain if material evidence is present to support the verdict.
Because the material evidence standard lies at the foundation of the right to
trial by jury, if there is material evidence to support a jury verdict, the
appellate courts must affirm it.
Meals, 417 S.W.3d at 422-23 (quotations and citations omitted).
In this case, the jury returned a verdict finding both the 2010 will and the 2010
deed to be valid. Plaintiffs contend the jury‟s verdict must be overturned because they
proved the existence of a confidential relationship, that Defendants exercised undue
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influence over the decedent to obtain the will and deed, which benefited Defendants, and
that Defendants failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the 2010 will and
deed were fair to the decedent. We begin our assessment with the subject of undue
influence and confidential relationships.
As a general rule, it is presumed that undue influence does not enter into the
making of a will and the burden of proving undue influence falls upon the person
contesting the will. Kelley v. Johns, 96 S.W.3d 189, 196 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2002); In re
Estate of Maddox, 60 S.W.3d 84, 88-89 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001). Undue influence “upon a
testator consists of substituting the will of the person exercising it for that of the testator.”
Jack W. Robinson, Sr., & Jeff Mobley, Pritchard on the Law of Wills and the
Administration of Estates § 124, at 203 (5th ed. 1994). Influence upon a capable mind is
not prohibited; it is the undue influence thereof which is prohibited. Parham v. Walker,
568 S.W.2d 622, 624 (Tenn. App. 1978).
For the doctrine of undue influence to be applicable, there must be in existence a
confidential relationship where one party, the beneficiary, is in a position, because of the
confidential relationship, to exercise undue influence over the mind and will of the
testator. Parham v. Walker, 568 S.W.2d at 624 (citing Turner v. Leathers, 232 S.W.2d
269, 271 (Tenn. 1950)). “A confidential relationship is any relationship which gives one
person dominion and control over another.” Childress v. Currie, 74 S.W.3d 324, 328
(Tenn. 2002). Thus, “the doctrine of undue influence is applicable only where there is a
confidential relationship with the testator whereby one party is able to dominate and
exercise undue influence over the testator. . . .” In re Estate of Brevard, 213 S.W.3d 293,
302 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2006), perm app. denied (Tenn. 2007).
A presumption of undue influence arises when there is a confidential relationship
followed by a transaction in which the dominant party receives a benefit from the other
party. Childress, 74 S.W.3d at 328. “The burden of proof regarding a confidential
relationship rests upon the party claiming the existence of such a relationship.” Id. If a
confidential relationship is established, a presumption of undue influence arises and the
burden of proof “shifts to the dominant party to rebut the presumption by proving the
fairness of the transaction by clear and convincing evidence.” Id.
Generally, confidential relationships originate from “legal relationships” and
“family and other relationships.” In re Estate of Brevard, 213 S.W.3d at 303 (citing
Matlock v. Simpson, 902 S.W.2d 384, 385-86 (Tenn. 1995)). A “legal confidential
relationship” arises when there is some legal connection between the dominant party and
the weaker party, such as when a dominant party is granted a power of attorney. See id.
However, “an unexercised power of attorney does not in and of itself create a confidential
relationship. . . .” Childress, 74 S.W.3d at 329. Moreover, proof of “family and other
relationships” alone does not establish a confidential relationship. Matlock, 902 S.W.2d
385-86. However, “proof of such relationships coupled with proof of dominion and
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control, does establish the existence of a confidential relationship, but does not make out
a prima facie claim of undue influence unless an additional suspicious circumstance
exists.” In re Estate of Brevard, 213 S.W.3d at 303 (citing Kelly, 96 S.W.3d 189).
Plaintiffs contend they were entitled to a presumption of undue influence because
they proved there was a confidential relationship and Defendants benefitted from the
2010 will and deed. As a consequence, the burden shifted to Defendants to prove by clear
and convincing evidence that the will and deed were fair to the decedent. Furthermore,
Plaintiffs contend the verdict must be set aside because Defendants failed to carry their
burden of proof.
For their part, Defendants insist Plaintiffs failed to prove a confidential
relationship existed as a matter of law; therefore, Defendants did not have the burden to
prove the fairness of the transactions.
A. LEGAL CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP BASED ON POWER OF ATTORNEY
Plaintiffs contend the decedent‟s execution and delivery of powers of attorney to
Defendants created an “undeniable per se” confidential relationship. Defendants counter
this argument by insisting they never exercised the power of attorney and an unexercised
power of attorney does not in and of itself create a confidential relationship.
As Defendants correctly assert, “an unexercised power of attorney does not in and
of itself create a confidential relationship.” Childress, 74 S.W.3d at 329. The Childress
court explained that the “core definition of a confidential relationship requires proof of
dominion and control.” Id. (citing Matlock, 902 S.W.2d at 385-86; Mitchell v. Smith, 779
S.W.2d 384, 389 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1989)). The court went on to explain, “When an
unrestricted power of attorney is executed but has not yet been exercised, good sense
dictates that there exists no dominion and control and therefore no confidential
relationship based solely on the existence of the power of attorney.” Id.
Therefore, whether Defendants had a legal confidential relationship with the
decedent based on the powers of attorney hinges on whether Defendants exercised their
powers of attorney. Plaintiffs note that Rodney Burns cashed the decedent‟s social
security checks and paid her bills after he received the powers of attorney. Although Mr.
Burns was tasked with the responsibility to “cash” the checks for the decedent, he did not
use―or need to use―his power of attorney because all of the checks were endorsed by
the decedent. Therefore, Rodney Burns did not exercise his power of attorney to cash the
previously endorsed checks.
The only proof that Rodney Burns did anything with the powers of attorney is that
his wife faxed copies of the powers of attorney to Dr. Howard‟s medical offices and to
the Department so they would be on file in case Defendants needed to exercise the
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powers in the future. The record established that the doctor‟s office received and
maintained them in their records; however, there is no proof that Defendants ever
exercised these powers.
Based on facts identified above, there was material evidence for the jury to find
that Plaintiffs failed to prove the existence of a legal confidential relationship because
Defendants never exercised the powers of attorney.
B. FAMILIAL CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP
The record clearly establishes a close familial relationship existed between
Defendants and the decedent; however, as Defendants note, “the normal relationship of
parent and child [is] not, per se, a confidential relationship.” Matlock, 902 S.W.2d at 385
(citing Kelly v. Allen, 558 S.W.2d 845, 848 (Tenn. 1977)). The Matlock court explained
that the distinction between “legal confidential relationships” and the confidentiality
inherent in “family and other relationships” hinges on proof of “dominion and control.”
Id. at 385-86 (citing Kelly, 558 S.W.2d at 848).
Plaintiffs contend Defendants‟ dominion and control over the decedent was proven
based on the fact she was extremely frail, could not walk on her own, and relied on
Defendants to bring her food, to clean her home, to bathe her, to dress her, to take her to
doctor‟s appointments, to give her the medications she required, to pay her bills, to keep
her yard orderly, and to make repairs on the home. Plaintiffs also contend Defendants
exerted dominion and control over the decedent by installing a gate at the entrance of her
driveway and requiring visitors to obtain Defendants‟ permission to visit her.
As noted earlier, we must take the strongest legitimate view of the evidence that
favors the verdict, assume the truth of all the evidence that supports the verdict, and allow
all reasonable inferences to sustain the verdict. See Tenn. R. App. P. 13d; see also Kelly
v. Johns, 96 S.W.3d 189, 194 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2002). In this case, while there is evidence
to support a finding that Defendants exercised dominion and control over the decedent,
there is evidence to support the finding that Defendants did not exercise dominion and
control over her.
Howard Rucker testified that he frequently visited the decedent in her home until
shortly before her death. He testified that he had no problem visiting her after the gate
was installed. Mr. Rucker testified that when he visited Ms. Patton, she always
recognized him. He described her as a highly respected lady with a lot of dignity, and he
could not talk her into something she did not want to do. Likewise, Mr. Bennett, the
decedent‟s former employer and a confidant of 40 years, testified that, “You couldn‟t
make [the decedent] do anything she didn‟t want to do.” Mr. Bennett also testified that he
questioned the decedent about her stated desire to leave her entire estate to Rodney
Burns, to which she responded by stating that she knew what she was doing. Further, he
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testified that the decedent was cognizant of what was going on and still “sharp” when she
made that decision. Elizabeth Russell, an attorney, who witnessed the decedent executing
her codicil at Ms. Russell‟s law office, testified that the decedent was aware of what was
going on and the decedent stated that the codicil embodied her intent.6
Lori Bartlett, a case worker with the Department, testified that she went to the
decedent‟s home with her supervisor to assess her living conditions and they had no
concerns. Dr. Howard, the decedent‟s primary care physician, testified the decedent was
not suffering from dementia in November 2010 and she was able to answer all questions.
Dr. Howard also stated that the decedent was able to recall events sufficient to give Dr.
Howard a medical history, including recent events. Dr. Howard testified that the decedent
was of sound mind and sufficient memory to know and understand the activities she
engaged in. Dr. Howard testified that the decedent‟s cognition and understanding were
very good.
Based on the foregoing and other facts in the record, we conclude there was
material evidence for the jury to find that the decedent did not have a confidential
relationship with Defendants. We further conclude that there was material evidence for
the jury to find the 2010 will and 2010 deed were not the products of undue influence but,
instead, were the products of the free exercise of independent judgment by the decedent.
II. JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Plaintiffs contend the trial court committed reversible error with its answer to the
jury‟s question and by supplementing the instructions with Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-5-104.
A. THE COURT‟S DUTY TO INSTRUCT A JURY ON THE FACTUAL ISSUES AND THEORIES
The trial court has a duty to instruct the jury on every factual issue and theory of
the case. Cole v. Woods, 548 S.W.2d 640, 642 (Tenn. 1977). “Whether a jury instruction
is proper is a mixed question of law and fact, „determined from the theories of the parties,
the evidence in the record and the law applicable thereto.‟” Ricketts v. Robinson, 169
S.W.3d 642, 646 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2004) (quoting Solomon v. First Am. Nat’l Bank of
Nashville, 774 S.W.2d 935, 940 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1989)). The standard by which we
examine a trial court‟s jury charge is as follows:
6
“The mental condition of the testator at the time of executing the will is the only point of
inquiry; but evidence of mental condition before and after making the will, if not too remote in point of
time, may be received as bearing upon that issue.” In re Estate of Thornton, No. M2011-01287-COA-
R3CV, 2012 WL 112598, at *7, n.1 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 12, 2012) (citing In re Estate of Elam, 738
S.W.2d 169, 171-72 (Tenn. 1987)).
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We review the jury charge in its entirety to determine whether the trial
judge committed reversible error. Jury instructions are not measured against
the standard of perfection. The charge will not be invalidated if it “fairly
defines the legal issues involved in the case and does not mislead the jury.”
Furthermore, a particular instruction must be considered in the context of
the entire charge.
Id. (quoting City of Johnson City v. Outdoor West, Inc., 947 S.W.2d 855, 858 (Tenn. Ct.
App. 1996)).
Furthermore, Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 36(b) instructs:
A final judgment from which relief is available and otherwise appropriate
shall not be set aside unless, considering the whole record, error involving a
substantial right more probably than not affected the judgment or would
result in prejudice to the judicial process. When necessary to do substantial
justice, an appellate court may consider an error that has affected the
substantial rights of a party at any time, even though the error was not
raised in the motion for a new trial or assigned as error on appeal.
During their deliberations the jury asked: “If Appellee Rodney Burns had power of
attorney, could he sign Will and Deed for Mrs. Patton?” The trial court answered by
stating “Yes” and supplementing the jury instruction with Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-5-104,
which states:
Instruments in relation to real or personal property, executed by an agent or
attorney, may be signed by such agent or attorney for the principal, or by
writing the name of the principal by that person as agent or attorney; or by
simply writing the agent‟s or attorney‟s own name or the principal‟s name,
if the instrument on its face shows the character in which it is intended to
be executed.
As previously noted, by order entered on November 7, 2012, the trial court
identified the issues to be determined.7 Whether Rodney Burns could sign the 2010 will
or the 2010 deed on behalf of the decedent was not identified as an issue. Moreover,
Rodney Burns did not sign the 2010 will or the 2010 deed. Therefore, whether Mr. Burns
could have signed the will or the deed on behalf of the decedent was not an issue to be
7
The issues identified by the trial court that are relevant to this appeal are: (1) the competency of
the decedent in executing the quitclaim deed dated November 9, 2010, the will dated November 9, 2010,
and the codicil dated November 29, 2011; (2) whether the wills or the deed were procured by Defendants
exerting undue influence on the decedent; and (3) if the 2010 will is not valid, whether the 1985 will is
valid.
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considered by the jury. Jury instructions must only “reflect the theories that are supported
by the parties‟ pleadings and proof, as well as the parties‟ claims and defenses.” Goodale
v. Langenberg, 243 S.W.3d 575, 584 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2007) (citing Cole, 548 S.W.2d at
642). Therefore, the trial court should not have answered the question in the affirmative
or negative, and it should not have given the supplemental instruction concerning Tenn.
Code Ann. § 66-5-104. Instead, the trial court should have merely instructed the jury to
render a verdict based on the jury instructions previously given.
B. THE TRIAL COURT‟S ANSWER AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
For the following reasons, we have determined that the trial court‟s answer and the
supplemental instruction were erroneous.
i. The Will
The execution of attested wills in Tennessee is governed by the Tennessee
Execution of Wills Act codified in Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-104. In re Estate of Chastain,
401 S.W.3d 612, 618-19 (Tenn. 2012).8 The indispensable requirements mandated by the
Execution of Wills Act requires the testator to either sign the will in the presence of the
attesting witnesses, or acknowledge a signature already made in the presence of attesting
witnesses, or direct someone else to sign the will in the presence of the testator and of the
attesting witnesses. Id. (citing Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-104(a)(1)(A)-(D)). As our
Supreme Court explained in In re Estate of Chastain:
This statute gives a testator some latitude in the manner of signing an
attested will. . . . But the statute demands that the testator‟s signature be
8
At all times material to this appeal, Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-104(a) stated that the execution of a
will, other than a holographic or noncupative will, must be by the signature of the testator and of at least
two witnesses as follows:
(1) The testator shall signify to the attesting witnesses that the instrument is the testator‟s
will and either:
(A) The testator sign;
(B) Acknowledge the testator‟s signature already made; or
(C) At the testator‟s direction and in the testator‟s presence have someone else sign
the testator‟s name; and
(D) In any of the above cases the act must be done in the presence of two (2) or more
attesting witnesses.
(2) The attesting witnesses must sign:
(A) In the presence of the testator; and
(B) In the presence of each other.
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placed on the will by one of these means. Id. The testator‟s signature is
essential to the creation of a will. See Simmons v. Leonard, 91 Tenn. 183,
18 S.W. 280, 282 (1892) (“[T]here can be no valid attestation or
subscription unless it be a fact that the testator has actually signed his
name, or caused it to be signed, before [the witnesses] subscribed their
names. There is no will to witness until it has been signed by the
testator.”).
Id. at 619 (emphasis added).
Not only must the testator personally sign the will, the Wills Act also requires that
“[t]he testator shall signify to the attesting witnesses that the instrument is the testator‟s
will.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-104(a)(1). Significantly, there is no statutory provision in
the Wills Act authorizing an attorney-in-fact to “signify” on the testator‟s behalf in this
regard. See id. Moreover, the Wills Act expressly requires that the attesting witnesses
sign in the presence of the testator and of each other. Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-
104(a)(2)(A)-(B).
Our Supreme Court made it clear in Chastain that “it is indispensable that every
requirement of the Tennessee Execution of Wills Act be complied with in the execution
of a will.” In re Estate of Chastain, 401 S.W.3d at 620 (quoting Pritchard § 4, at 10).
One of the statutory requirements is that the testator sign the will. See Tenn. Code Ann. §
32-1-104. Had Mr. Burns signed the 2010 will on behalf of the decedent, his act would
not have complied with the Wills Act. Therefore, it would not have been a valid will. See
id.
Because Mr. Burns did not have the authority to sign the 2010 will, or any will, on
behalf of the decedent, instructing the jury that he could sign the will on behalf of the
decedent was error.
ii. The Deed
We agree that Mr. Burns had the “authority” to sign “[i]nstruments in relation to
real or personal property” for the decedent and thus could have signed the 2010 deed on
behalf of the decedent. Significantly, however, his authority to sign a deed that conveyed
a benefit to himself and his wife was limited and subject to evidentiary presumptions that
were not conveyed to the jury in the court‟s response to the question.9
9
The trial court supplemented its answer to the jury‟s question by adding Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-
5-104 to its jury instructions. This statute does not give an attorney-in-fact any authority to execute legal
instruments; it merely identifies the alternative forms by which an agent or attorney may execute an
instrument in relation to real or personal property “for the principal.” Id. Therefore, the statute should not
have been included in the jury instruction.
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As mandated by all three powers of attorney, Mr. Burns‟ authority was limited to
acts that were “in the decedent‟s best interest.” In this case, had Mr. Burns exercised his
power of attorney by signing the 2010 deed on behalf of the decedent, a deed that
benefitted Mr. Burns and his wife because it conveyed property to Defendants as joint
tenants with the right of survivorship with the decedent, there would be a presumption
that some improper advantage was taken which could render the deed invalid. See In re
Estate of Elam, 738 S.W.2d 169, 173 (Tenn. 1987); see also Richmond v. Christian, 555
S.W.2d 105, 107 (Tenn. 1977)). Furthermore, Mr. Burns would have had the burden to
prove by clear and convincing evidence that the deed was fair to the decedent. See
Ralston v. Hobbs, 306 S.W.3d 213, 227-28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2009). Significantly,
however, the jury was not informed of the presumption that some improper advantage
was taken of the decedent or that Mr. Burns‟ burden to prove by clear and convincing
evidence that the conveyance of the property was fair to the decedent.
For these reasons, the trial court‟s answer and the supplemental jury instruction
failed to constitute a complete and correct charge of the law. See State v. Dorantes, 331
S.W.3d 370, 390 (Tenn. 2011) (holding that the constitutional guarantee of a right to trial
by jury includes the “right to a complete and correct charge of the law, so that each issue
of fact raised by the evidence will be submitted to the jury on proper instructions”).
Therefore, the answer and supplemental instruction were erroneous.
Having determined that the answer and supplemental jury instruction constitute
error, we must now consider whether this error constitutes reversible error.
C. HARMLESS ERROR
The constitutional guarantee of a right to trial by jury includes the “right to a
complete and correct charge of the law, so that each issue of fact raised by the evidence
will be submitted to the jury on proper instructions.” State v. Dorantes, 331 S.W.3d 370,
390 (Tenn. 2011)); see U.S. Const. amend. VI; Tenn. Const. art. I, 6.
The trial court‟s instructions guide the jury in its deliberations. The
instructions must be plain and understandable, and must inform the jury of
each applicable legal principle. Wielgus v. Dover Indus., 39 S.W.3d 124,
131 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001). They must also reflect the theories that are
supported by the parties‟ pleadings and proof, as well as the parties‟ claims
and defenses. Cole v. Woods, 548 S.W.2d 640, 642 (Tenn. 1977). Jury
instructions must be correct and fair as a whole, although they do not have
to be perfect in every detail. Wielgus, 39 S.W.3d at 131. Upon review, we
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read a trial court‟s instructions to the jury in their entirety and in context of
the entire charge. See id.
Goodale, 243 S.W.3d at 584-85.
We have determined that the instructions given to the jury immediately following
closing arguments were plain and understandable, and they were sufficient to inform the
jury of each applicable legal principle applicable to the issues raised by the parties in this
case. See Goodale, 243 S.W.3d at 585. These instructions also addressed the theories
raised by the pleadings, the claims and defenses asserted, and the evidence in the record.
See id. Furthermore, they were correct and fair as a whole. See id. Although the trial
court‟s answer to the jury‟s question and the supplemental jury instruction did not pertain
to any issue, claim, or defense raised at trial and were erroneous, jury instructions do not
have to be perfect in every detail. See id.
When considered in the context of the entire charge, we are unable to conclude
that the error more probably than not affected the outcome of the verdict. “A final
judgment from which relief is available and otherwise appropriate shall not be set aside
unless, considering the whole record, error involving a substantial right more probably
than not affected the judgment or would result in prejudice to the judicial process.” Tenn.
R. App. P. 36(b). Therefore, we conclude that the error was harmless.
IN CONCLUSION
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed, and this matter is remanded with costs
of appeal assessed against Plaintiffs.
________________________________
FRANK G. CLEMENT, JR., P.J., M.S.
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