Undue influence in the context of making a will in New York refers to a situation where someone exerts pressure or influence on a testator (the person making the will) to make decisions that they would not otherwise make if left to their own free will. This pressure or influence can be so severe that it essentially overpowers the testator’s free will, and causes them to make a will that does not reflect their true intentions or desires.
In New York, the law recognizes that undue influence can occur in the making of a will, and will invalidate a will if it can be proven that the testator was unduly influenced. Matter of Rinaldi v. Chait addresses a dispute between the executor of an estate and the decedent’s family members. This case provides an important precedent for future estate disputes and highlights the importance of proper estate planning.
Factual Background