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Wills Trusts Estate Attorney

The majority people in New York are familiar with wills as a means of transferring or disposing of assets upon death. A will is generally a cornerstone of any complete estate plan.

A New York will allows you to exercise power and control over how your assets are to be distributed and select the person you want to handle your affairs after your death. Should you die without a will and you have assets that do not automatically pass to a different at person at the time of your death, state law will determine how your assets will be distributed. This distribution possibly will or might not be what you would wish for

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document meeting certain legal formalities. In New York, the person creating the will (known as the testator) must be eighteen years of age or older and must be of sound mind and memory. The testator must sign the will in the presence of two adult witnesses who know that the document being signed is intended as a will. These witnesses should not have an interest in the estate of the testator.

New York law does not provide for a particular form to be used in the writing of a will. In addition to being properly executed, a last will and testament will state how you want your property distributed upon your death and provide for the administration of your estate. An estate is administered by the appointment of an executor.

Contact our New York wills and trusts lawyers for your questions about wills legal options