Succession of Cucullu

4 Rob. 397

• Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana
• Decided: May 15, 1843
• Status: Published

Opinion

Bullard, J.

The principal question. in this case is, whether the son of the testator, who was appointed his testamentary executor, and afterwards acted as administrator of his father’s estate, be entitled to commissions, he having received a legacy of $10,000, by the will, over and above his legitimate portion as heir.

The legacy is given in the following terms : Je dome et legue par hors part d'heritage a mon fils aine Manuel Simon Cucullu dix mille piastres en recompense des services quHl m’a rendus et de Tamitié particuliere queje lui porte.”

The code is explicit, that “ testamentary executors, to whom the testator has bequeathed any legacies or- other gifts, by his will, shall not be entitled to any commission, unless the testator has formally expressed the intention that they should have the legacies over and above their commission.” Art. 1679.

It is, however, contended by the counsel for the appellant, that this principle does not apply to remuneratory donations; that donations of that class are not properly donations, but dations en payement,; and to this effect, various authors are cited. It is, however, apparent, that the legacy to Manuel Simon Cucullu was was not wholly remuneratory, the testator having declared that he intended not merely to recompense services rendered, but to testify the particular esteem which he had for his son. If any part of it was a pure gratuity, he is not entitled to his commissions. The appellant thereupon offered evidence to show the value of the services which he had rendered; which, he contends, even exceeded the amount of the remuneratory donation. The evidence was rejected, and a bill of exceptions was taken. The court did not err. If the son thought that he had a larger claim for services rendered, he might have renounced his legacy, and have claimed as a creditor of the estate. Having decided to accept the legacy, he must take it as it is, partly remuneratory, and partly a:s a gratuity. It would be quite ungracious in him to deny, that any part of the donation sprung from paternal affection. The son ought to regard those expressions as the most precious part of his father’s will.

We are of opinion, that the same heir and legatee is not entitled to charge commissions as administrator, after his term as executor has expired. All he did, in either capacity, was to administer upon the estate ; and, under the existing law, his functions as executor would have been continued until the whole estate was settled. His legacy is considered, in law, as standing in lieu of all commissions for the administration, settlement, and liquidation of ihé estate of the testator.

■Judgment affirmed,