In Re Estate of Raedel

This is an appeal from a judgment overturning the will of Lena Raedel, late of Stamford, Vermont. The jury found that her last will and testament was the product of undue influence. The effect of the verdict was to distribute the only significant asset of the estate, a 100-acre farm in Stamford, to fifteen nieces and nephews instead of the two nieces named in the will. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

I

Background

Mrs. Raedel became the sole owner of the Stamford farm upon the death of her husband in late 1982. Shortly thereafter, she conveyed the farm to her grandniece, Linda Larabee, and…