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New York Wills Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Wills Laws
| Code Section | Estates, Powers & Trusts §§3-1.1, et seq. |
| Age of Testator | 18 years or older. and of sound mind and memory |
| Number of Witnesses | Signed at the end by testator or acknowledged in presence of two attesting witnesses; witnesses must attest to testator's signature within 30 days, and at testator's request, sign their names and residence addresses at the end of the will. |
| Nuncupative (Oral Wills) | Valid only if made by members of armed forces while in actual military or naval service during a war or other armed conflict, person who serves with or accompanies an armed force engaged in such activity, or mariner at sea |
| Holographic Wills | Same provisions as for nuncupative wills and written entirely in testator's handwriting. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Wills Laws:
FAQs
- Are there any special legal formalities required to make my will legally valid?
- Can I disinherit my spouse and children?
- What if the executor I choose can't serve when the time comes, or doesn't want to?
- In my will, can I leave my property to anyone I wish?
- Does it matter who my witnesses are?