Most of the issues that can pop up with wills in Farmingville, New York, like challenges to the will's validity, can be avoided if the will is well-drafted in the first place.

Generally, the larger your estate, and the more separate devises you want to make, the more complex the process of drafting your will is going to be. For most people, however, the process can be fairly simple.

But even if the will is comparatively simple, some preventable problems can derail the process. An experienced lawyer in Farmingville, New York who specializes in wills and estate planning can help make sure that this doesn't happen to your will.

Most of the problems that plague wills stem from failure on the part of the drafter to comply with the required formalities. These requirements aren't terribly complex, but they have to be followed to the letter if a will is to be valid. Usually, wills have to be witnessed and signed by at least 2 people, and it must include a clear statement that the document is, in fact, a will. You should choose the witnesses cautiously, because if they have any direct interest in the will, they won't count as valid witnesses.

Holographic Wills in Farmingville, New York

If you need to make a will quickly, some states allow you to write a "holographic will." This is simply a will which the testator hand-writes. These types of wills don't need to be witnessed.

A holographic will, where they are allowed, will generally be interpreted liberally, to give effect to the testator's intent if at all possible.

But you should be aware that not all states allow holographic wills. In these states, you are still allowed to hand write your will if you so desire, but they must be accompanied by all the formalities necessary by the law of that state.

Making a holographic will is rarely the ideal option. But it's occasionally the only option. If you find yourself suddenly needing to make a will, a holographic will is definitely an option, if they're recognized in your state. If possible, though, you should still consult with an attorney, who can review your holographic will and suggest any fixes that will make it simpler to meet your goals.

How Can A Farmingville, New York Lawyer Help?

Because of the various required formalities that accompany a will, it's not a bad idea to have a reputable Farmingville, New York attorney help you draft your will, even if it is relatively simple.