Dietz v. Moore

Charles Earl Laudenklos died on January 23, 1974, approximately 15 hours after executing his one and only last will and testament. That document, which was submitted to the Orphans’ Court for Baltimore County for probate five days later, was challenged in two caveat proceedings by 32 of his relatives as not being a valid testamentary instrument. With the agreement of the parties, the orphans’ court transmitted eleven issues — including execution, undue influence and mental competency — to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County for determination. Following a two-month discovery period, the…