Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey
is a handwritten last will & testament valid and enforcable in New Jersey?
3 Answers from Attorneys
in some cases, yes. i would need to look it over to tell you whether it meets the requirements of the New Jersey law.
Bob is correct. Holographic Wills (handwritten) are recognized in NJ, in most instances, if they meet the legal requirements. Not having seen the Will in question, I cannot state whether or not it meets the legal requirements.
Holographic Wills are permitted if the estate is less than $10k. If the estate is greater, the will must be appropriately witnessed. You need an estate and tax attorney to actually see the document to determine if it can be admitted to probate.
By the way, it is much less expensive, and far better for the testator and heirs, if you would have a lawyer prepare your Will and Estate Plan. Unfortunately, 70% of people dying do not have a Will. They let their State government decide what happens to their estate!
I hope this helps!
Ron Cappuccio
saveyourestate.com