The Estate of Rivenburg case , though decided in Oklahoma, offers a nuanced illustration of how courts analyze fraud and undue influence, providing insights that can be relevant to similar cases under Arizona law, particularly in understanding how evidence can shift the burden of proof in will contests.
In this case, the decedent, Velda Mae Rivenburg, made significant changes to her estate plan, leaving the bulk of her estate to her daughter, Bridget, and reducing the inheritance of her son, Austin. Austin challenged the will, claiming both fraud and undue influence by Bridget.
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma primarily