The test for a duly executed will in New York:
1. The testator (a person who dies with a will) must be at least 18 years old.
2. The testator must sign the will either herself or by a proxy who signs in her presence.
3. The signature must be at the end of the will.
4. The testator must sign (or acknowledge her earlier signature) in the presence of two witnesses.
5. The testator must publish the will. That means the testator must communicate to the witnesses that they are witnessing a will and not some other legal document.
6. The attesting witnesses must sign.
7. The execution ceremony must be completed in 30 days from the date the first witness signs.