In re: Estate of Teffany Teresa Love

Case Number
W2014-02507-COA-R3-CV

This case involves a dispute over the name inscribed on the decedent's headstone. The decedents surviving husband and her two adult children had the decedent's headstone inscribed to include her alleged biological father's surname. Appellant, the decedent's adoptive father, brought a petition to replace the headstone selected by the appellees. The appellees moved for judgment on the pleadings. The trial court concluded that the appellant did not have standing to challenge the name on the decedent's headstone selected by the surviving spouse and granted the appellees' motion. We interpret Tennessee Code Annotated Section 62-5-703 to grant the decedent's surviving spouse the right to control the inscription on the decedent's headstone as part of the right of disposition.

Authoring Judge
Judge Kenny Armstrong
Originating Judge
Judge Christy R. Little
Case Name
In re: Estate of Teffany Teresa Love
Date Filed
Dissent or Concur
No
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