Your property will be distributed according to a formula created New York State. In most instances, your property will be distributed among your family members, however not in the way you may have wished. A testator must be 18 years of age or over, and of sound mind and memory. The will must be witnessed by at least two persons who are not beneficiaries under the will. A will must be executed in strict compliance with the law or it will not be valid.
Homemade wills are extremely dangerous and are frequently the subject of lawsuits.
Do NOT execute, alter, amend, or change a will, except under the direction of a lawyer. A will remains valid until it is revoked. You may want to modify your will following changes in your marital status, deaths among beneficiaries, a desire to eliminate gifts to certain beneficiaries, changes in property holdings, additions to your family or those of your heirs. Consult with your attorney as to whether a new will is necessary, or whether a codicil is appropriate. In order for the codicil to be legal, it must be executed under the same strict requirements that a will must be.