LOKC Wins Defense Verdict in Undue Influence Jury Trial

Attorneys Gene Libby and Tyler Smith won a defense verdict on behalf of a client in a tortious interference with inheritance jury trial. The plaintiff and defendant are brothers. Prior to their father’s death, the father transferred his home to the defendant, and changed his life insurance policies to name the defendant as the sole beneficiary. The plaintiff sued his brother, claiming that the transfer of the home and changes to the life insurance policies were the product of undue influence.

The defense focused on the lack of evidence supporting the plaintiff’s undue influence theory, paired with evidence that the father had made numerous statements critical of the plaintiff and was upset with the plaintiff’s opposition to his marriage. Attorneys Libby and Smith argued that the transfer of the home and changes to the life insurance policies were not the product of undue influence, but of the father’s dissatisfaction with the plaintiff, and his intent to reward the son who respected his marriage and maintained an active relationship with him during his final years.

The case ended in a jury verdict for the defense that was reached with less than one hour of deliberation.

Gene R. Libby

Gene R. Libby
Partner

Gene has a rich history of litigation experience over the last 30 years. He has tried over 100 civil and criminal jury cases to verdict. His practice focuses on a wide variety of civil and criminal litigation representing individuals and small businesses, including divorce, real estate disputes, small business litigation, elder law, personal injury, professional… Read more »

Tyler J. Smith
Partner

Tyler Smith joined Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion as an associate in 2012 and became a partner in 2018. He maintains a general litigation practice, with experience in criminal defense, employment law, appellate advocacy, defamation/slander, civil rights, undue influence, and other civil disputes. He is also experienced in representing professionals before professional licensing boards. In… Read more »