Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey
holographic will
My mother died 10 months ago. She wanted to go to a lawyer and write a will, she was never able to due to declining health. She did write a holigraphic will on a piece of paper. She has the original sealed in an envelope and she gave me a copy in a sealed envelope. She told me to open it if anything happened to her. I did open it, she left me the house she had. (I lived with her for many years). What do I do now? It's been 10m months already, I think I have 2 years to settle. I would like to do it soon.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: holographic will
In addition to John's comments, add mine. If properly drawn and uncontested, a holographic Will is valid and recognized in New Jersey. It should have designated an Executor and that person should apply to the Surrogate in the County where Mom resided when she passed away. You do not say if your Dad is still living, if there are siblings and what else the document may have said. There are many issues involved and more information is needed, including a review ofd the document itself to see if it is valid. Contact me directly if you would like to discuss this further.
Re: holographic will
I am fairly certain that you would benefit by consulting a lawyer on this matter. If I can be of help, please contact me.
Holographic wills are admissible to probate. The difficulty usually involves matters of proof. How difficult this will be depends on whether there are others who might be disappointed by the will. There also will be a need to locate other reliable samples of your mother's handwriting.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
