New York · Standard edition

New York Last Will and Testament Template

Create a New York last will and testament online. The Standard will names your executor, sets out gifts and your residuary estate, covers debts and taxes, survivorship, guardians for minor children, and digital assets, and includes the New York signing and witness requirements with an attestation clause.

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New York rules built into this template

  • Signing and witnesses: A will must be signed by the testator at its end in the presence of each of at least two attesting witnesses (or acknowledged to them), the testator must declare to each witness that the instrument is their will, and the witnesses must sign within one 30-day period (N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 3-2.1).
  • Self-proving: The witnesses may sign a self-proving affidavit before a notary public under N.Y. Surr. Ct. Proc. Act § 1406, so that they need not appear at probate unless the court requires it.
  • Handwritten wills: New York does not recognize handwritten wills except for certain members of the armed forces and mariners.

What the Last Will and Testament includes

  1. Revocation
  2. Executor
  3. Executor's Powers
  4. Debts, Expenses, and Taxes
  5. Gifts
  6. Residuary Estate
  7. Survivorship
  8. General Provisions
  9. New York Signing Requirements
  10. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

How many witnesses does a will need in New York?
A will must be signed by the testator at its end in the presence of each of at least two attesting witnesses (or acknowledged to them), the testator must declare to each witness that the instrument is their will, and the witnesses must sign within one 30-day period (N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 3-2.1).
Does a will need to be notarized in New York?
A will does not need to be notarized to be valid in New York. The witnesses may sign a self-proving affidavit before a notary public under N.Y. Surr. Ct. Proc. Act § 1406, so that they need not appear at probate unless the court requires it.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Last Will and Testament?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Last Will and Testament for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Last Will and Testament templates for other states

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