Does New York recognize a Will made orally?
An oral Will is referred to as a nuncupative Will. To be valid, the existence and provisions of a nuncupative Will must be clearly established by at least two witnesses. New York will only recognize a nuncupative Will if it is made by a member of the Armed Forces while in actual military or naval service during war or armed conflict, or by a mariner while at sea. Note that these Wills become invalid one year after the testator’s discharge from the Armed Forces and three years after the mariner makes the Will at sea.
