Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Law Library
Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Code.

Section PRP.04.21 — Oral Will

(a) A will which does not comply with Section PRP.04.19 of this Probate code is valid as an oral will under custom if all children, whether residing in testator's home or not, and testator's spouse, if alive, are present at the announcement of the oral will and agree that the testator orally made known the testator's last will before them.

(b) An oral will is also valid under custom if made in the presence of a competent disinterested adult person by a testator who declares at the time that it is his or her wish that their property descend in a specific manner upon the event of the testator's death. "Disinterested" means that the person hearing the oral declaration of testator's intent will not benefit in any way directly or indirectly nor will a spouse or any relative of said disinterested person benefit in any way directly or indirectly.

(c) The Court shall hear testimony from the disinterested person who heard such declaration and the Court shall decide the following: (1) whether such testimony is credible; and (2) whether the manner of disposition of testators property is reasonable and customary. If the Court finds that both of the foregoing conditions prevail, the testator's expressed intent shall be carried out as a valid will.