Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

I would like to know if there is a statue of limitations on wills in New York. What I want to know is how long after the death of a person in New York does someone that was named as the inheritor have to claim his inheritance.

My friend found a copy of his friend's will, drawn up in New York in 1977. My friend moved to Houston shortly thereafter. Recently, in going throuh his old documents he found a copy of the will. Since he lost track of his friend, he doesn't know if his friend is still alive or deceased.

Thank you.

Robert


Asked on 11/30/11, 7:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

First, there is no exact Statute of Limitations. Second, a Will can be revised many times as long as the maker is still competent to do so. In reply to your question, I suggest that he contact the Surrogate where the person resided when living to see if any Will has been probated. If so, he can get a copy for a nominal fee. It is possible that the person revised the Will and no longer made any provision for your firend. This is a response to an Internet question and the reply is not intended to be legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship.

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Answered on 11/30/11, 11:16 am


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