🔑 NY: Understanding the Handwriting Affidavit in Probate Proceedings

Probate proceedings can involve unexpected complications, especially when key individuals are deceased or unavailable to testify. One tool that helps courts overcome these hurdles is the Affidavit Proving Handwriting, commonly referred to as a Handwriting Affidavit. This affidavit is used to verify handwriting when live testimony is not possible and plays a crucial role in establishing the authenticity of a will or codicil.

This post explains what the Handwriting Affidavit is, its two distinct uses, and why it matters. If you’re handling an estate—or advising someone who is—you’ll want to know when this affidavit can make or break a probate petition.