New York County, Surrogate's Court: January 29, 2020

Surrogate Anderson

ESTATE OF JOSEF GRILICHES, Deceased (18-3288/B) — This is an uncontested proceeding to probate, as an ancient document, an instrument dated September 1, 1973. Decedent died on August 30, 2018, at the age of 95, survived by cousins. The Public Administrator appeared pursuant to SCPA §1123 and does not oppose the application. The proffered instrument, which had been filed in this court for safekeeping prior to decedent’s death, appears unsuspicious on its face. The will was signed by decedent and witnessed by two of his neighbors, both of whom predeceased him. The instrument complies with the standards for admission to probate as an ancient document. It is more than 20 years old, appears unsuspicious in nature and was taken from a natural place of custody (Matter of Tier, 3  Misc 3d 587,591 [Sur Ct, NY County 2004]; Matter of Davy, NYLJ, Dec. 20, 1999, at 34, col 4 [Sur Ct, NY County 1999]). Here the record amply demonstrates that the propounded instrument, which includes an attestation clause, meets each of these requirements (Matter of Borome, 6 Misc 2d 1005A [Sur Ct, NY County 2003]). Accordingly, the instrument dated September 1, 1973, is admitted to probate. Decree signed. Dated: January 24, 2020