NJ A3199

Amends N.J.S.3B:3-2 and N.J.S.3B:3-3 to require that a will must be signed by the testator or substantially written in the testator's handwriting to be considered valid

Overturns the holding in In re Estate of Ehrlich (2012), which allowed an unsigned, typed document to be validated as a will based solely on the decedent's intent

Under current law, documents can be treated as valid wills if clear and convincing evidence shows the decedent intended it as a will; this bill adds the additional requirement of the testator's signature or substantial handwriting

Maintains existing requirements for formal wills: must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by another in the testator's presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses

Applies to any will or document purporting to be a will filed with the Surrogate on or after the effective date