In the Matter of the Estate of Maryette Matthews, Deceased: Everett R. Pine, Appellants; Hiram Smith…

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the lower courts' judgment that Harriet Smith, the half‑sister of the decedent, was presumed legitimate and that the burden of proving her illegitimacy rested on the appellants. The Court relied on the longstanding presumption of legitimacy and held that the evidence offered by the appellants was insufficient to overcome that presumption.