Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Re: legal form of wills

A Will must be in writing, signed at the end by the testator and at least two witnesses who have been asked by the testaor to act as witnesses to the signing of the Will must sign the document. The testator must be over the age of 18, able to communicate in English and of sound mind.

Not very diffcult.

Re: legal form of wills

The simple answer is that if it was valid in 1962, its valid today so long as it has not been renounced or replaced. Of course, there may be beneificiaries mentioned who have predeceased the will or property mentioned that no longer is owned by the testator, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to update the will to conform with the estate as it exists now. For a more in depth review, it may pay to speak to a trusts and estates lawyer.

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Re: legal form of wills

Person must be competent, need 2-3 witnesses and best if notarized to conform to self-proving requirements (otherwise a witness would be needed for probate). Old Will may still be good, but will not meet the self-proving requirements. You can either do a new Will or republish by reference (like an amendment) either of which, if meets the self-proving requirements will simplify probate. I can assist you if necessary.