In re the Estate of Hanft

194 Misc. 91, 85 N.Y.S.2d 10, 1948 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 3697
CourtNew York Surrogate's Court
DecidedApril 30, 1948
StatusPublished
Cited by2 cases

This text of 194 Misc. 91 (In re the Estate of Hanft) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New York Surrogate's Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
In re the Estate of Hanft, 194 Misc. 91, 85 N.Y.S.2d 10, 1948 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 3697 (N.Y. Super. Ct. 1948).

Opinion

McGarey, S.

The power given to the trustee to invade principal for the benefit of the widow was not an unrestricted power and the trustee must take into consideration the other property, resources and income as well as the physical condition and needs of the life beneficiary in reaching a decision as to whether or not principal should be invaded (Matter of Martin, 269 N. Y. 305). The fact that the widow died within slightly more than six months after the testator herein has no bearing on the determination of the question presented. The condition which existed at the time of death of the testator controls (Matter of Cregan, 275 N. Y. 337: Ithaca Trust Co. v. United States, 279 U. S. 151).

Testator died on December 13, 1944, prior to the amendment of section 249-q of- the Tax Law by chapter 380 of the Laws of 1946, which became effective April 1, 1946. The amendment, therefore, does not apply.

There is nothing in the report of the appraiser herein or in the papers annexed thereto indicating that any proof was taken by him as to the need for invasion of principal on behalf of the widow. If it can be established that the trustee could or would under the provisions of the will determine that it would not be necessary or advisable for him to invade principal on behalf of the widow, then the exemptions may be allowed (Ithaca Trust Co. v. United States, 279 U. S. 151). The executor should have an opportunity to submit any relevant proof and this proceeding is, therefore, remitted to the appraiser to take such proof and report accordingly.

Proceed accordingly.

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Related

In re the Estate of Leonard
199 Misc. 138 (New York Surrogate's Court, 1950)
In re the Estate of Weinberger
194 Misc. 294 (New York Surrogate's Court, 1948)

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Bluebook (online)
194 Misc. 91, 85 N.Y.S.2d 10, 1948 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 3697, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/in-re-the-estate-of-hanft-nysurct-1948.