Witnesses to wills

[Ellyn]

Jurisdiction

New York

Can a person's insurance agent or broker act as a witness to a will?

Can an individual's insurance agent or broker sign their will? What if an insurance agent or broker signs an affidavit that they were an acquaintance and not your advisor? Is the will legal?

 

[Betty3]

Generally anyone (adult) of "sound mind" can witness a will. Did a lawyer draw up the will or you did it yourself & the ins. agt./broker is just a witness? I don't see why it wouldn't be legal.

 

[army judge]

Can a person's insurance agent or broker act as a witness to a will?

Can an individual's insurance agent or broker sign their will? What if an insurance agent or broker signs an affidavit that they were an acquaintance and not your advisor? Is the will legal?

Any two disinterested parties can witness a will in your state.

NY requires two witnesses for any will.

A beneficiary under the will should not be a witness to the will.

Should a beneficiary under the become a witness to said will, he or she could lose anything bequeathed under the will.

Some holographic or DIY wills can be problematic.

Read on for more information:



Proof of Wills: Issues Concerning Due Execution and Interested Witnesses - Law Firm Greenfield Stein & Senior, LLP Attorneys New York, New York

New York Last Wills Must Be Signed By Two Attesting Witnesses