N.Y. Estates, Powers & Trusts Law Section 3-2.2
Nuncupative and holographic wills

§ 3-2.2 Nuncupative and holographic wills (a) For the purposes of this section, and as used elsewhere in this chapter:

(1)

A will is nuncupative when it is unwritten, and the making thereof by the testator and its provisions are clearly established by at least two witnesses.

(2)

A will is holographic when it is written entirely in the handwriting of the testator, and is not executed and attested in accordance with the formalities prescribed by 3-2.1.

(b)

A nuncupative or holographic will is valid only if made by:

(1)

A member of the armed forces of the United States while in actual military or naval service during a war, declared or undeclared, or other armed conflict in which members of the armed forces are engaged.

(2)

A person who serves with or accompanies an armed force engaged in actual military or naval service during such war or other armed conflict.

(3)

A mariner while at sea.

(c)

A will authorized by this section becomes invalid:

(1)

If made by a member of the armed forces, upon the expiration of one year following his discharge from the armed forces.

(2)

If made by a person who serves with or accompanies an armed force engaged in actual military or naval service, upon the expiration of one year from the time he has ceased serving with or accompanying such armed force.

(3)

If made by a mariner while at sea, upon the expiration of three years from the time such will was made.

(d)

If any person described in paragraph (c) lacks testamentary capacity at the expiration of the time limited therein for the validity of his will, such will shall continue to be valid until the expiration of one year from the time such person regains testamentary capacity.

(e)

Nuncupative and holographic wills, as herein authorized, are subject to the provisions of this chapter to the extent that such provisions can be applied to such wills consistently with their character, or to the extent that any such provision expressly provides that it is applicable to such wills.

Source: Section 3-2.2 — Nuncupative and holographic wills, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-2.­2 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Jun. 9, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 9, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 3-2.2’s source at nysenate​.gov

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