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{\caps\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid9381472 Appeal No. 89-017}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid9381472 \par }{\caps\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid9381472 Civil Action No. 87-295 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10443871\charrsid5586431 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF}{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 :}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid1314076\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid1207449\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 MARIANA C. DELEON GUERRO, \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Deceased. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 OPINION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Argued and submitted on May 31, 1990. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl \brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4500\clshdrawnil \cellx9720\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid5197515\yts15 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Counsel for Appellant, Admini- stratrix Diana DIG. Villagomez:\cell Douglas F. Cushnie, Esq. \par P.O. Box 949 \par Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl \brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4500\clshdrawnil \cellx9720\row }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid5197515\yts15 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Counsel for Defendant Appellee,}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2045228\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Ok Soon Sa Guerrero:\cell David A. Wiseman, Esq. \par Law Offices of Wiseman & Eason \par P.O. Box 404 \par Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \trowd \irow1\irowband1\ts15\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl \brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4500\clshdrawnil \cellx9720\row }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid5197515\yts15 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Counsel for the Administrator of the Estate of Francisco C. Deleon Guerrero, Leonard Sine:\cell John A. Manglona, Esq. \par White, Novo-Gradac &}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2045228\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 Manglona \par P.O. Box 222 CHRB \par Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \trowd \irow2\irowband2\ts15\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl \brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4500\clshdrawnil \cellx9720\row }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid5197515\yts15 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 Counsel for Appellee, Ricardo Camacho:\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid6960510\yts15 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 Kenneth L. Govendo, Esq. \par P.O. Box 2377 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid5197515\yts15 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 \trowd \irow3\irowband3\lastrow \ts15\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4500\clshdrawnil \cellx9720\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5197515 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par BEFORE: DELA CRUZ, Chief Justice; VILLAGOMEZ, Justice; and}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 ATALIG, Special Judge. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6960510 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5197515\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6960510 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 In re Estate of Deleon Guerrero \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 Appeal No. 89-017 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2045228\charrsid5586431 Civil Action No. 87-0295 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 July 20, 1990 \par Rehearing Denied, 1 N.M.I. 324 (1990) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6960510 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 1.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Custom \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par Under Chamorro customary law in force at time of decedent married woman's death in 1978, the estate of a married woman who predeceased her husband did not include any share in property possessed by the marital parties at time of death. Instead, the husban d assumed ownership of all property, and the land became part of his estate when he later died. 1 TTC \'a7 102. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 2.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Applicability of Probate Code \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid461996\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Had decedent died after February 15, 1984, her estate}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 would have been subject to the current NMI probate}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 code. 8 CMC \'a7}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 2102. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 3.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Custom }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Iyon Manaina \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Property}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 which was inherited by husband of decedent}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 from his father constituted}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 "}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 iyon manaina," }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 translated to English as "ancestor's ownership."}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Under Chamorro customary law, "iyon manaina"}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 passes down to the owner's children. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 4.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Custom }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 \endash Iyon }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Manaina \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 "Iyon manaina" }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 is not restricted to land. It m}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 ay}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 include}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 personalty. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 5.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Descent and Distribution}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 -}{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Particular Cases}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Estate of decedent married woman}{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 who predeceased her husband in 1978 did not incl ude}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 any interest in land purchased by husband after her}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 death.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 6.}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Probate }{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Descent and Distribution}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 -}{ \b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Particular Cases \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid4196128 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Funds in husband and wife's joint bank accounts}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 were held as tenancy in the entirety. Upon death of}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 decedent married woman, the funds vested solely in}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5047386\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 the surviving spouse. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6960510 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 7. Probate - Descent and Distribution Tenancy in the Entirety \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 \par A tenancy in the entirety is a tenancy which is created between husband and wife and by which together they hold title to the whole with right of survivorship. It is essentially a joint tenancy, modified by the common law theory that husband and wife are one person, and the right of survivorship is the predominant and distinguishing feature. \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 \par 8. Probate - Custom - Particular Cases \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par Evidence that husband considered parcels of property acquired during marriage to jointly belong to him}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 and decedent, his wife, was properly excluded regardless of whether it fell within exceptions to the hearsay rule. Under applicable Chamorro cu stom at time of decedent's death, even if she had an interest in the land, upon her death ownership vested in her husband. \par \par VILLACOMEZ, Justice: \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6960510 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 FACTS \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par In 1952, Mariana Camacho and, Francisco Deleon Guerrero were married. Both were Chamorro and of Northern Marianas descent. They had three children: Ronald, Mariano, and Diana. In addition, Francisco fathered two children outside of the marriage, David and Ri cardo. \par \par In 1978, Mariana died intestate. Thereafter, Francisco married Ok Soon Sa. Francisco's second marriage produced two more children. \par \par In 1987, Francisco died intestate. Upon his death, he had seven children. \par \par While Francisco was married to Mariana, he acquired property on Saipan, Lot No. 1742, through court action. }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 In re Estate of Guerrero}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 , 3 T.T.R. 546 (Trial Div. 1968). This land constituted his share of an inheritance from his father, who died in 1950. \par \par Francisco and Mariana improved Lot No. 1742 by constructing houses thereon which they rented out. From the rental proceeds they purchased another parcel of Saipan property during their marriage, Lot No. 004 D 39. \par \par After Mariana died, Francisco purchased two more. Saipan parcels, Lots No. 1763}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 1 and 002 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid9515666\charrsid5586431 I}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 12. \par \par Following Francisco'}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid4196128 s death, his estate and Mariana'}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 s estat e were probated concurrently in the Commonwealth Trial Court (now Superior Court). On October 26, 1989, the Superior Court entered an order adjudging that there were no assets to be probated in}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid6960510\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Mariana's estate. }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 In re Estate of Guerrero} {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid9515666\charrsid5586431 ,}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Civil Action No. 87}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid9515666\charrsid5586431 295 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 (N.M.I. Super. Ct. Oct. 26, 1989). The court held that all parcels mentioned above, and all personal property possessed by Francisco and Mariana at the time of her death belonged to Francisco, and that, upon his death, all of the property vested in his estate. \par \par The administratrix of Mariana's estate, Diana DLG. Villagomez, has appealed. She contends that when Mariana died, her estate consisted of half of all property (both real and personal) acquired during the marriage. Villagamez claims that all of the property is "family property" (including the two lots }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 purch}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid4196128 ased by Francisco after Mariana'}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 s death), half of which passed exclusively to Mariana's three children (Ronald, Mariano, and Diana) upon her death. Villagomez maintains that the other half of the property passed after Francisco's death in equal shares to all seven of}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid11602167\charrsid5586431 his children. Under Villagcmez\rquote claim, Mariana\rquote }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 s three children are each entitled to one}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 third of one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 half of the property, and each to an additional one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 seventh of the remaining half of the property. Francisco's other children would thus each take only one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 seventh of one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 half of the property. \par \par Villagomez further contends that the Superior Court abused its discretion in excluding testimony indicating that Francisco believed that the parcels acquired during his marriage with Mariana belonged to both he and Mariana. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid554426 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 ISSUES \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par 1.}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid554426\charrsid5586431 W}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 hether the trial court made an error of law when it ruled}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 that Mariana's estate had no assets to be probated. \par \par 2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion when it excluded testimony concerning Francisco's beliefs regarding ownership of the land. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13662063 {\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 DISCUSSION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 1. Whether the trial court made an error of law when it ruled that Mariana's estate had no assets to be probated. \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par The trial court concluded that the present Commonwealth probate code, 8 CMC \'a7 2101 }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 et seq}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 . , did not apply in the probate of Mariana's estate because it did not become effective until February 14, 1984, after her death. It further ruled that since there wa s Chamorro customary law applicable to the proceeding and the facts of the case, U. S. common }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 law did not apply. 1 TTC \'a7 103.}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 1}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 The court applied customary law pursuant to 1 TTC \'a7 102.}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 2}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 [1]}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid13662063\charrsid5586431 U}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 nder customary law }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid4196128 at the time of Mariana'}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 s death in 1978, the estate of a married woman who predeceased her husband did not}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 include half of all property possessed by the marital parties at the time of her death. Instead, the husband ass}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 umed ownership of all property.}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 3}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 [2]}{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 This particular customary law applied only to the land (Lot No. 004 D 39) purchased by Francisco and Mariana during their marriage}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid8805562\charrsid5586431 .}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 4}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Thus, the trial court was correct in ruling that none of the land acquired by Francisco, individually or with Mariana during their marriage, vested in Mariana's estate at the time of her death.}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 5}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Instead, Francisco assumed ownership and the land became part of his estate when he died. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 [3,4]}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Lot No. 1742 which was inherited by Francisco from his fath}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 er constituted "iyon manaina," }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 translated to English as "ancestor's}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 ownership." }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 In re Estate of Camacho}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 , 1 CR 395, 399 (C.T.C. 1983).}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 6}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid8085461\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Under Chamorro customary law, "iyon manaina" passes down to the owner's children. }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Id}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 . In this case, the land (Lot No. 1742) passed to Francisco and became his separate property. The trial}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 court was correct in concluding that half of Lot No. 1742 did not vest in Mariana's estate at the time of her death. Francisco did not transfer any interest in such land to Mariana. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 [5]}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 With respect to the parcels purchased by Francisco after Mariana's death, there is no statute, customary law, or common law rule supporting the contention that one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3628091\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 half of such land vested in Mariana's estate. The trial court was therefore correct in concluding that her estate has no interest in such land. \par \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid13528124\charrsid5586431 With respect to Villagomez\rquote }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 claim to personal property acquired during the marriage, the trial court noted that she offered no proof of Mariana's personal property existing on the date of Mariana's death except three bank books listing accounts in the names of Francisco }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 or}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 Mariana Guerrero. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 [6,7]}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 The bank accounts were held as a tenancy in the entirety. As such, upon Mariana's death, the funds in the accounts vested solely in the surviving spouse, Francisco.}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 7}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 The trial court correctly concluded that Mariana's estate did not prove any personal property interest. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion when it excluded testimony concerning Francisco's beliefs regarding ownership of the land.}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 The trial court excluded testimony from two witnesses which, according to Villagomez' brief, would establish "that Francisco c. Guerrero }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 considered}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 the property which his father owned and that he ultimately received as a result of litigation with his sister and others, as belonging to both he and Mariana." Appellant's brief at 11 (emphasis added). The testimony also relates to the other parcel acquired during the marriage. Villagmez contends that under Com.R.Evid. 801(d)(2),}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 8}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 the testimony does not constitute hearsay because it is an admission by a party opponent. Villagomez al so maintains that even if it does constitute hearsay, it falls within the family or community history exceptions in Com.R.Evid. 803(19) and (20).}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 9}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid15157036\charrsid5586431 [8]}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid15157036\charrsid5586431 It is relevant whether Francisco considered some or all the land to be owned by he and his wife together. } {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 It is also irrelevant whether the testimony offered by Villagomez is not hearsay or falls within exceptions to the heardsay rule. Under Chamorro custom exisitng when Mariana died, even if she had an interest in the land, upon her death ownership vested i n her husband. Therefore, we find no error on the part of the trial court in excluding the testimony of the two witnesses.}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 \par For the reasons set forth above, the decision of the trial court is AFFIRMED. \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 Entered this 20}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 th}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 day of July, }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 1990. \par \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12466831 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 _____________________________ \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 JOSE S. DELA CRUZ, Chief Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12466831 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 ______________________________}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 RAMON G. VILLAGOMEZ, }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 Assoc}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 iate Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12466831 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12466831 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 ______________________________}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3881822\charrsid5586431 \par PEDRO M. ATALIG, Special Judge \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3628091 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 \par }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12466831\charrsid5586431 END NOTES}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16589377 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 1}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 "The rules of the common law, as expressed in the restatements of the law approved by the American Law Institute, and to the extent not so expressed, as generally understood and applied in the United States, shall be the rules of decision in the courts of the Trust Territory in cases to which they ap p ly, in the absence of written law applicable under Section 101 of this Chapter or local customary law applicable under Section 102 of this Chapter to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in Section 105 of this Chapter; PROVIDED, that no person sh all be subject to criminal prosecution except under the written law of}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid9394923\charrsid5586431 the Trust Territory or recogniz}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 ed local customary law not inconsistent therewith." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 2}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 "The customs of the inhabitants of the Trust Territory not in conflict with the laws of the Trust Ter ritory shall be preserved. The recognized customary law of the various parts of the Trust Territory shall have the full force and effect of law so far as customary law is not in conflict with the laws mentioned in Section 101 of this Chapter." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 3 }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 See}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 A. Spoehr, Saipan: }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 The Ethnology of a War-Devastated Island}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 140 (Chicago Natural History Museum, 1954), and Office of the High Commissioner, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 Land Tenure Patterns}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 223 (1958). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 4}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 As to the other property, other rules of law apply as}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 will be discussed }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 infra}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 5 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 Had Mariana died after February 15, 1984, her estate would have been subject to t}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid5274257\charrsid5586431 he current probate code. 8 CMC \'a7 2102. Under 8 CMC \'a7}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 2903(b), her three children would have acquired one}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid8716444\charrsid5586431 -}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 half of Lot No. 004 D 39. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 6}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 The }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 Camacho}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 court}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10440952\charrsid5586431 translated the Chamorro word \'93}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 iyon}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10440952\charrsid5586431 \'94}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 as "land." That is incorrect. "Iyon" means ownership. The Chamorro word for land is "tano," and ancestor's land}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10440952\charrsid5586431 would be ''tano }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 manaina}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10440952\charrsid5586431 .}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 " }{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid10440952\charrsid5586431 \'93Iyon manaina\'94 }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 is not restricted to land. It may include personalty. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12321996 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12321996\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12462289 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 7}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 64 A.L.R. 2d 8 }{\fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 Annotation: Estates by Entirety in Personal Property}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 (1959). 10 Am.Jur.2d, }{ \fs24\ul\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 Banks}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 \'a7 373 (1963); Black's Law Dictionary 1313 (5th Ed. 1979) states, "A tenancy which is created between a husband and wife and by which together they hold title to the whole with right of survivo}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid13007090\charrsid5586431 rship .... It is essentially a \lquote }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 joint tenancy,}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid13007090\charrsid5586431 \rquote }{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 modified by commo n-law theory that husband and wife are one person, and survivorship is the predominant and distinguishing feature of each." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12462289 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid12462289\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3437217 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 8}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 A statement is not hearsay if:}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid16589377\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3437217 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid3437217\charrsid5586431 (2)\'85.[t]he statement is offered against a party and is \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3437217 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 (A) his own statement in either his individual or a representative capacity\'85" \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\super\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 9}{\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 "The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule, even though the declarant is available as a witness: \par \'85. \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 (19) Reputation concerning persdnal or family history. Reputation among members of his family by blood, adop tion, or marriage, or among his associates, or in the community, concerning a person's birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, death, legitimacy, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, ancestry, or other similar fact of his personal or family history. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15157036 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2765767 {\fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 (20) Reputation concerning boundaries or gene}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid15157036\charrsid5586431 ral history. Reputation in the community, arising before the controversy, as to boundaries of or customs affecting lands in the community and reputation as to events of general history important to the community or State or nation in which located."}{ \fs24\lang1024\langfe1024\langnp1033\insrsid2765767\charrsid5586431 \par }}