Rankowitz v. Smith

Hunstein, Justice.

Jeff Smith, a widower with numerous children, executed a will leaving his farm (which constituted the bulk of his estate) to one child, Clarence Smith, whom he also named as his executor. Jeff Smith died on November 24,1993 and his will was offered for probate by Clarence Smith. A caveat was filed by Margaret Rankowitz, a sister of Clarence Smith, along with other heirs of Jeff Smith (hereinafter “appellants”). Appellants contended that the testator had been unduly influenced by Clarence Smith to leave the bulk of the estate to him and that Jeff Smith’s signature on the will…