In June 2018, Bernard Ramish set up a $48,000 trust fund through West Plains Credit Union to provide tuition for his nephew, Nathan Covacek, to attend Tri-State Polytechnic Institute. The trust was established under Ramish’s control and went into effect that August. In December, Ramish suffered a brain aneurysm that caused frequent, severe headaches but no other symptoms. In August 2019, Ramish developed heat stroke and collapsed on the golf course at La Prima Country Club.

After recuperating at the clubhouse, Ramish quickly wrote his will on the back of a wine list. It stated,

“My last will and testament: Upon my death, I give all of my personal property to my friend Bernard Eshom and my home to Lizzie Johansen.” He signed the will at the bottom in the presence of five men in the La Prima clubhouse, and all five men signed as witnesses.

A week later, Ramish suffered a second aneurysm and died in his sleep. He was survived by his mother

(Dorris Ramish), his nephew (Nathan Covacek), his son-in-law (Bruce Lupin), and his granddaughter (Tori Lupin). Using the information presented in the chapter, answer the following questions.

1. Does Ramish’s testament on the back of the wine list meet the requirements for a valid will?

2. Suppose that after Ramish’s first aneurysm in 2018, Covacek contacted an insurance company to obtain a life insurance policy on Ramish’s life. Would Covacek have had an insurable interest in his uncle’s life? Why or why not?

3. What would the order of inheritance have been if Ramish had died intestate?

4. What will most likely happen to the trust fund established for Covacek on Ramish’s death?