Your family deserves the security of a clear, legally binding plan — one that protects your spouse, guards your children’s inheritance, and leaves nothing to chance. At Morgan Legal Group, attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. helps New York families turn good intentions into enforceable documents, wherever they are in the state.
Why Your Family Needs a Will Now
Dying without a will in New York means intestacy law under EPTL Article 4 decides who inherits — not you. Courts may divide assets in ways that leave a spouse shortchanged, saddle minors with court-supervised trusteeship, or overlook the loved ones you care about most.
A properly executed will under EPTL §3-2.1 ensures your wishes control the outcome.
New York Will Execution — Key Requirements
| Requirement | What the Law Requires (EPTL §3-2.1) |
|---|---|
| Testator’s signature | Must appear at the end of the will |
| Publication | You must declare the document to be your will |
| Witnesses | At least two attesting witnesses, each signing within one 30-day period |
| Witness addresses | Each witness must add their residence address |
| Signing sequence | You sign in witnesses’ presence or acknowledge your signature to each witness |
Once signed, the will takes effect only at death and must be admitted to Surrogate’s Court probate. A living will is an entirely separate health-care document — it does not transfer property.
Your surviving spouse retains independent protection under EPTL 5-1.1-A, which guarantees a minimum elective share regardless of what any will provides.
We serve families across New York State — NYC boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate communities.
Schedule Your 30-Minute Family Will Consultation →
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: why estate planning is so important.