In re the Estate of Shepard

In a contested probate proceeding, the object-ant, Alexandra Petilla, appeals from a decree of the Surrogate’s Court, Suffolk County (Weber, S.), dated December 27, 1999, which, upon a jury verdict, admitted the decedent’s will to probate as offered by the proponent.

Ordered that the decree is reversed, as a matter of discretion, and a new trial is granted, with costs to abide the event.

Esther Shepard, the decedent, had two daughters, Judith Arvan, the proponent of the will, and Alexandra Petilla, the objectant. The decedent had various prior wills, including one executed in 1991, which…