
Who keeps the original copy of a will?
Who Holds the Original Will in New York? When planning your estate, one of the most overlooked yet critical questions is: In New York, as in many other jurisdictions, having the original document readily available is essential when the time comes to administer an estate. If a will cannot be produced in its original form, courts may presume it was revoked — which can lead to complications and unintended outcomes. Why the Original Copy of a Will Matters Probate courts in New York generally require the original, signed, and witnessed will to validate the document and begin the estate administration process. If only a copy is available, significant legal hurdles must be overcome. For example, the Surrogate’s Court may require