Question:
In a Texas inheritance case involving two spouses, how did Estate of Claveria resolve the conflict over who the lawful wife was?
Answer:
The court in Estate of Claveria v. Claveria, 615 S.W.2d 164 (Tex. 1981), faced two women—each claiming to be the decedent’s lawful wife. The first woman had a prior marriage to him; the second had a later ceremony. The court leaned on the presumption that the latest marriage was valid. The first wife failed to prove the earlier union had not ended. She showed no death record or divorce decree. The court ruled for the second wife. This presumption of validity made the newer marriage stand unless someone proved otherwise. No proof, no case.