Opinion
March 12, 1963
Decree, denying probate, unanimously reversed, on the law and on the facts, with costs to all parties filing briefs payable out of the estate, and a new trial directed on the issue of testamentary capacity. The learned Surrogate properly directed a verdict on framed issues one, two and three which involved the validity of the execution of the will; issue five which pertained to undue influence; and issue six which pertained to fraud. The fourth issue of testamentary capacity was submitted to the jury. The question of testamentary capacity was presented fairly to the jury in a charge to which there were no objections or requests and one exception not here involved. However, evidence was introduced by the contestant relevant only on the question of undue influence which may well have influenced the jury on the issue of testamentary capacity. The issue was close and it may have been decided on evidence unrelated to the issue of testamentary capacity. A new trial confined to the issue of testamentary capacity is accordingly directed in the interests of justice. (Surrogate's Ct. Act, § 309; Matter of Weston, 15 A.D.2d 410, 412.)
Concur — Botein, P.J., Rabin, Valente, McNally and Stevens, JJ.