Homosassa, FL asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New York

Q: If you live in Florida, can you write a will in New York?

My husband had a will drawn up in Florida (where we have lived since 2007) in 2012 leaving everything to me. He passed away last year. Now my stepsons are saying he had a will drawn up in New York in 2015 leaving everything to them. Is this possible? Does the 2015 New York will void the 2012 Florida will?

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4 Lawyer Answers
Thomas Tripp
Thomas Tripp
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Pinellas Park, FL

A: You can always void an earlier will by creating a new will and revoking the previous will. You may have rights as surviving spouse depending on his residence at time of death. Contact a lawyer where he died or where his residence was at time of death to discuss.

John Richert and Jennifer Isaksen agree with this answer

John Richert
PREMIUM
John Richert
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Clearwater, FL

A: Sounds like you may have a will contest on your hands. You need to contact an attorney in the jurisdiction where the probate case is pending.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Freeeport, FL

A: Yes, to answer the question, it is quite possible for a Florida resident to write a will in New York, which, as Mr. Tripp has indicated, could supersede the earlier will. If, however, he was a Florida resident at the time of his death, the 2015 will would have to be probated in Florida, under the laws of this state.

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • MIramar Beach, FL

A: Yes he can write a subsequent will. You likely have a claim to the estate as a spouse or via an elective share.

You need to hire an attorney asap.

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