Chatterton v. Chatterton

PER CURIAM.

We think there is but one cause of action set out in this complaint; that is to say, an action to set .aside the conveyance made by the executors to Jane Spencer under the pow*330er of sale granted by the will, and the conveyance from Jane Spencer to the defendant Nellie Mar Chatterton, as fraudulent as against the remainder-men, and compel that defendant to account for the waste committed on the property so fraudulently transferred to her. The fixtures for which it is sought to compel that defendant to account were not personal property, but part of the realty, and for their value as such is the defendant sought to be made liable. The prayer for the construction of the will is stated inartificially in the complaint. The real question is whether the real estate, the conveyances of which this action is brought to set aside, is under the will chargeable with the debts and funeral expenses of the deceased, in exoneration of the personalty. That .'question may be determined in this action, since on the determination of that question the legality of the conveyance by the executors may depend. It is true, the only question the adjudication of which the complaint asks is whether, the personal property passed to the executors without being liable for the debts and funeral expenses; but an answer to this question necessarily involves a determination of whether the real estate is primarily liable for those charges.

The interlocutory judgment sustaining the demurrer should be reversed, and judgment given for plaintiff on demurrer, with costs, with leave to defendants to withdraw demurrer, and answer, on payment of costs and of this appeal.