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In summary, to create a valid Last Will and Testament in New York, the testator must be at least 18 years old and possess the mental capacity to understand their actions. The will must be in writing, signed by the testator and at least two witnesses, and meet all other statutory requirements.

In New York, there is no official place to register Wills. If a testator wants, they can file the Will with the Surrogate's Court of the County where they reside for safekeeping.

The Will must be filed in Surrogate's Court and admitted for probate before the wishes of the person who died can be followed. If the person who died had less than $50,000 of personal property, then a small estate (also called a voluntary administration) can be filed instead.

No, in New York, you do not need to notarize your will to make it legal. However, New York allows you to make your will "self-proving" and you'll need to go to a notary if you want to do that. A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.

In New York, there are rules a will must follow to be valid and enforceable. Handwritten wills and oral wills do not usually follow these rules. Because of this, handwritten or oral wills are only enforceable in New York in a small number of situations.

To be valid at all times, a Will must be in writing, dated and signed by the maker of the Will with two witnesses signing and adding their addresses under their signature. Just writing out your wishes without the witness formality is not suggested.