People have many different questions with regard to estate planning and it is paramount to find answers if you are uncertain about any aspect of the process. Whether you are not sure what to include in your trust or do not know if a certain type of will is even valid in New York, such as a holographic will, finding answers is essential. Unfortunately, some people push off estate planning issues, whether they are under high levels of stress or simply do not want to deal with it, which can have consequences later on.
According to the New York State Senate, holographic wills may be valid under certain circumstances. These wills, which are entirely filled out by a testator in handwriting, may be valid if the testator was a mariner who was out at sea or a military member who was engaged in armed conflict. However, there are time limits in place when it comes to the validity of these wills. For example, holographic wills made by mariners who were at sea will no longer be recognized after three years has passed.
Working through estate issues can be challenging, especially for someone who is deployed due to military service or working at sea. However, it is pivotal for all people who wish to set up an estate plan to thoroughly understand their options and identify the most sensible direction forward. It should also be noted that this post does not stand in the place of legal counsel and was written for informational purposes.