Estate of James v. Seward, Deceased

Summary

The court held that paternity may be adjudicated within probate proceedings and that laches cannot bar paternity-related declaratory relief tied to legal claims. It affirmed the determination that Gaylene lacked standing because her child-support creditor claim was time-barred, and it held that Vincent was not a pretermitted heir but could be entitled to the statutory exempt-property allowance if he established paternity. The court affirmed admission of the 2008 will and appointment of the personal representative, reversed the laches ruling as to Vincent, and ordered supplemental briefing on whether a statute of limitations bars Vincent's paternity and allowance claim.