Korff

BACKGROUND

As noted, we had an earlier appeal in this matter, in connection with which we filed a 47-page unpublished opinion that contained an exhaustive discussion of the background of this dispute, most of which is not relevant to the issue here. But some of it is, to set the scene for this appeal, and we quote from the opinion as appropriate, taking judicial notice of it on our own motion. (Evid. Code, §§ 452, 459.) Thus: “David Bentley died on January 23, 2014, leaving an estate whose primary assets included a house on Beelard Drive in Vacaville (Beelard Drive house), 12 vehicles, over $387,000 in eight separate financial accounts, and a $17,000 promissory note that was in arrears, for a total estate of just over $700,000. A month after Bentley’s death, Nancy Korff, Bentley’s caregiver, filed a petition to probate his will—a holographic will he executed two months before his death that named Korff as the sole beneficiary. The next month, Donna Goodrich, Bentley’s daughter, filed a will contest and objection to probate of the will, alleging undue influence, duress, fraud, and mistake. Korff denied the allegations and contended the will accurately reflected Bentley’s intent to…