The execution of a Last Will in New York is controlled by Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) Section 3-2.1 entitled “Execution and attestation of wills; formal requirements”. Estate Lawyers are familiar with statutory requirements that a Will should be in writing and that there needs to be at least two attesting witnesses.
When a Will is offered for probate in the Surrogate’s Court it is necessary to notify the decedent’s distributees (next of kin). These individuals have the right to file Objections to the Will. Typically the distributees receive a Probate Citation which is like a Summons. The Citation provides a Court date on which the person receiving the Citation must appear in the Surrogate’s Court and advise the Court regarding his Objections to the Will. Continue reading