Artymae Little, as Independent Executrix of the Estate of Frank J. Little, M.d., Petitioners v. Katherine…

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that Katherine Smith's claims for a share of Lula Little's estate and her derivative claims against Dr. Little are barred by the applicable statutes of limitations. The Court declined to apply the discovery rule to adoptee inheritance claims, emphasizing the legislature's policy of finality in probate and confidentiality of adoption records. A concurring justice agreed with the judgment but criticized the majority's departure from the discovery‑rule principles articulated in Altai and S.V. v. R.V.