Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

If you write up your own will at home, if you have to witnesses sign it, is it Valid and out rank old wills done through a lawyer? Or do you have to have it notarized?


Asked on 10/22/10, 8:00 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Norman Nadel Norman Nadel, Esq.

In New York the document has to be signed by the writer of the Will at the end of the document and the signature is to be witnessed by two witnesses in writing. If this is done, the document is a valid Will and if, by its terms, it revokes prior Wills, then those earlier wills are a nullity.

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Answered on 10/27/10, 8:19 am
Rudolf Karvay Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel, P.C.

I strongly urge you to have an attorney draw up your will. If you make a mistake, your will may be invalid and your relatives won't find out until after you are deceased.

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Answered on 10/27/10, 12:34 pm


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