Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
non-english speaking testator
Can a non-englinsh speaking testator execute a valid will written in english
Asked on 11/19/08, 10:10 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz
Michael A. Markowitz, PC
Re: non-english speaking testator
In the case In re Liquori's Will, 142 N.Y.S.2d 220 (1955), the Surrogate' Court held that where will written in English for testatrix who could speak Italian but could neither read nor write in either language was read to testatrix and translated into Italian for her by one of two subscribing witnesses who spoke both languages, and testatrix stated to them that it was her will and she wanted them and attorney to sign and they signed it in her presence and in presence of each other after seeing her sign it, will was executed in accordance with requirements of DEL � 21.
Mike.
Answered on 11/19/08, 10:42 am