In Re Estate of Shaughnessy

Frank S. Shaughnessy died in October of 1979 at the age of 89. He was survived by five brothers and sisters. His will could not be located at the time of his death.

In November 1979, Neil Cronin, who had been Shaugh-nessy's friend and attorney, filed a petition for an order probating a "lost will". The lost will had been drafted by Cronin and purported to make several specific bequests including one of $5,000 to Cronin. Only one of decedent's *91sisters, however, shared in the bequests. The lost will also named Cronin executor and remainderman of Shaugh-nessy's estate. See generally In re Estate…