Relates to enacting provisions for the execution of electronic wills

Electronic wills allowed with strict filing deadline

The law recognizes electronic wills in New York beginning 545 days after enactment; preparation of implementation rules starts immediately. The will must be readable as text and signed at the end by the person making it. Someone else can sign at that person's direction only while physically present with them. Any instructions after that signature that change who receives property are disregarded. At least two witnesses with a legal home in a state must sign in the person's physical or live electronic presence. They must sign within 30 days after witnessing the signing or hearing the person acknowledge it. A required warning about final wishes and signing requirements must appear in at least 12-point, bold, double-spaced text. The will must be filed electronically with the New York State Unified Court System within 30 days after execution. Missing that deadline makes the will invalid. The court keeps the filed will until removal or revocation. The person making the will and witnesses can complete sworn statements before an officer authorized to administer oaths, with a formal certificate noting electronic signing. Electronic activity records and outside evidence can help prove authenticity and intent; signing a related affidavit also counts as signing the will. A later valid will or qualifying written document can revoke the will. Removal by the person or an authorized person can also revoke it when two witnesses are present; neither can be the remover. A court-ordered removal during the person's lifetime does not itself revoke the will. New York also recognizes certain electronic wills valid under the law where the person was physically located when signing, or legally lived when signing or at death.