Frequently Asked Questions About Wills In New York State
This resource provides answers to commonly asked questions about wills in New York State.
By: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Financial and Health Planning Tools Definitions of documents used in planning - Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, "In Trust For" Bank Accounts, Wills
By: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
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Spanish / Español
Getting Your Affairs in Order and A Guide To For Your Survivors This guide provides to preparing yourself and your survivors for death. First part addresses concerns for those in the Retirement System and the second half addresses concerns of the Survivors.
By: New York State Comptroller's Office
Why You Need a Will
(Separate Website)
This pamphlet explains the purpose of a will, and what happens if a person dies without one.
By: New York State Bar Association
Make a Will
This resource provides step by step advise on how to make your will. *Please note that New York State has additional specifications that may not be included in this document. It is recommended that a lawyer assist in drafting all but the most simple wills.*
By: NOLO
What You Can't, or Shouldn't, Do in Your Will
This resource provides information on things, property, and issues to avoid when creating your will. *Please note that New York State has additional specifications that may not be included in this document. It is recommended that a lawyer assist in drafting all but the most simple wills.*
By: NOLO
Intestate Inheritance Rights
(Separate Website)
The legal rights of adopted persons to inherit when the deceased died without writing a will.
By: Child Welfare Information Gateway
Other Formats:
PDF File
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online Small Estate Affidavit Program
This interactive interview will help you fill out an Affidavit of Voluntary Administration. You can use this form to divide the property of someone who died. You can only use this form if the person who died had less than $30,000 worth of property.
By: Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® - Geneva Office
Other Formats:
Separate Website
Living Trusts
This resource provides an overview of what a living trust fund is and what to expect if you obtain this type of fund.
By: New York State Attorney General's Office
Avoiding Living Trust Scams: A Quick Guide for Advocates
(Separate Website)
Overview of common living trust funds scams and what to do if you are a victim of this type of scam.
By: National Consumer Law Center
A Guide To Burial Assistance And Funeral Planning For New Yorkers In Need
(Separate Website)
This guide for residents of New York City only provides information on burial assistance and funeral planning for families and friends of poor persons who have died, and for social workers and others involved with making burial arrangements for poor people.
By: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
What is an Executor?
(Separate Website)
Description of what an executor is; what an executor does; who should be named an executor; if they get paid; what Surrogate's Court is; How a Will is Probated; etc.
By: The Association of the Bar of the City of New York
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