Estate of Lacy

Forgy, Thamer & Inadomi and Don C. Thamer for Objectors and Appellants.

Meserve, Mumper & Hughes and J. Robert Meserve for Petitioners and Respondents.

OPINION

COLE (John L.), J. [*]

Helen Fitzpatrick, Helen Hillary Thamer (also known as Helen Fitzpatrick Thamer), Katherine Thamer, Mary Theresa Thamer, and Hillary Lacy Thamer appeal from an order of the probate court settling the report and 22d account current of the trustees under a testamentary trust. Appellants Helen Fitzpatrick and Helen Hillary Thamer are referred to hereafter as the income beneficiaries. We reverse the order as to them, but only because reversal is required as to the remaining appellants. The other three appellants are hereafter sometimes collectively referred to as the remaindermen. As we discuss below, the proper resolution of the appeal of the remaindermen depends on whether or not the respondent trustees knew, or should have known with due diligence of the existence of these remaindermen. We reverse the order as to them with directions to the trial court to determine this question and to thereafter proceed in a manner consistent with this opinion.

(1) Notice of entry of the order settling the report…