Advance Directive

New York’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living and last will. Signature of the individual, proxy, and two witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only persons with a documented legal need such as a court order and deceased’s immediate family members can obtain a death certificate in New York state.

The following information is required for application:

• Deceased’s name, date of birth, social security number
• Names of deceased’s parents along with mother’s maiden name
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, mailing address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased
• The purpose for request and documented proof
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate and one certified copy cost $30. Each additional copy costs $30, with an additional $15 fee for optional priority handling.

The application can be mailed to:

New York State Department of Health

Vital Records Section

Certification Unit

P.O. Box 2602

Albany, NY 12220-2602

Or handed in person at 800 North Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Room 200, Menands, NY 12204.

Digital Estate Planning Laws

Bill A9910A authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on September 29, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

New York’s terminally ill residents may be allowed to access assisted death if bills A4321, S6471, and A198 get approved. The bill progress can be tracked here.

Organ Donation Registry

New York’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

New York’s MOLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on New York’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the General Overview of NY Probate.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

New York has an estate tax of up to 16%.