Case Name: In the Matter of Probate of the Will of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased. Edna M. Drew, as Executrix of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased, Appellant; Eugene J. Meyer, Jr., Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1967-12-07
Citations: 29 A.D.2d 626
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Probate of the Will of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased. Edna M. Drew, as Executrix of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased, Appellant; Eugene J. Meyer, Jr., Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 29
Pages: 626–626

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Probate of the Will of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased. Edna M. Drew, as Executrix of Julia M. Scheu, Deceased, Appellant; Eugene J. Meyer, Jr., Respondent.

Opinion:
Decree unanimously modified and as modified affirmed, without costs to any party, and matter remitted to Surrogate's Court of Erie County for further proceedings in accordance with the following Memorandum: The Surrogate was without authority to deny letters testamentary to the executrix designated in the will and to appoint the residuary beneficiaries as administrators with will annexed without proof that the designee was ineligible under the applicable statute. (Matter of Flood, 236 N. Y. 408). However, the allegations of the objections to appointment as to the exercise of undue influence and misrepresentation by the named executrix when liberally construed may be sufficient, if proved, to establish her incompetence under section 707 of the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (formerly Surrogate's Ct. Act, § 94). A hearing is required at which objeetants may present their proof and a determination, upon the evidence presented by iboth sides, shall be made. (Matter of Goldman, 8 A D 2d 737.) In view of the inexcusable inordinate delay which has already attended this litigation, the hearing shall be had forthwith. (Appeal from decree of Erie Surrogate's Court admitting will to probate and appointing administrators.) Present — Bastow, J. P., Goldman, Henry, Del Vecchio and Marsh, JJ.