Probate and Estate Administration in New York
Navigating the complexities of probate can be overwhelming. We provide experienced guidance to executors and beneficiaries, ensuring a smooth and efficient probate process.
Over a Decade of
Experience
New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Member
Navigate New York State Regulations
Elder Law
Work with us to ensure your Probate procedures run smoothly
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of validating a Last Will & Testament through the Surrogate’s Court. It officially authorizes the executor to act on behalf of the estate.
The probate process involves submitting the will to the court, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying and appraising assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.
The probate process can be complicated and time-consuming, involving numerous legal requirements and court procedures. Various issues can make probate more challenging, including:
• Multiple beneficiaries located in different jurisdictions
• Disputes among family members or beneficiaries
• Complex assets or significant debts
• Missing or incomplete estate planning documents
With extensive experience in probate law, our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring full compliance with all legal requirements while minimizing delays and complications
Probate support for beneficiaries & executors
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Probate Assistance for Executors & Beneficiaries
Probate assistance for executors
When serving as executor of an estate, you take on significant legal responsibilities that require careful attention to detail and procedural requirements.
Our experienced team can help provide comprehensive support to help you navigate the process efficiently.
We assist with:
- Guiding you through your legal responsibilities
- Preparing and filing required court documents
- Handling creditor claims and disputed debts
- Managing beneficiary communications
- Ensuring proper final distributions
- Asset inventory and valuation
Probate assistance for beneficiaries
As a beneficiary of an estate, it’s essential to understand and protect your rights throughout the probate process. Our experienced team provides guidance and advocacy to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Our experienced team can help:
- Explain your rights under New York law
- Monitor estate administration progress
- Challenge improper actions if necessary
- Address concerns about executor conduct
- Ensure fair treatment under the Will or intestacy laws
Our probate & estate administration services
Services for executors
Being named executor of an estate carries significant responsibilities. We provide comprehensive guidance to help you understand and fulfill your duties – from filing the initial probate petition to the final distribution of assets.
Our team ensures you properly handle estate assets, pay valid debts, file required tax returns, and distribute inheritances according to the Will’s terms.
With our support, you can confidently navigate complex decisions while minimizing risks and protecting yourself from potential liability.
Beneficiary representation
If you are inheriting from an estate, it is essential to understand your rights and ensure they are protected.
We represent beneficiaries who have concerns about how an estate is being administered. Our team monitors the executor’s actions, reviews estate accountings, and ensures you receive the inheritance you’re entitled to under the Will or New York law.
If you’re unclear about your rights or have concerns about estate management, we will explain your options and advocate for your interests.
Will contests and objections
Questions may arise about the validity of a Will or the circumstances of its creation. Whether you’re challenging a Will or defending one, we’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances and build a strong case to protect your interests.
We handle all types of will contests, including claims of:
- Lack of testamentary capacity
- Undue influence
- Improper execution
- Fraud or forgery
- Revocation by a later will
Complex estate administration
Some estates involve particularly challenging assets or situations requiring specific knowledge. We have extensive experience managing:
- Business succession issues
- Real estate holdings in multiple states
- Complex tax planning needs
- Retirement account distributions
- Life insurance proceeds management
- Investment portfolios administration
- Charitable bequests and foundations
- International assets
Probate & Estate Administration legal services in New York
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consultation
Avoid probate through planning
While we expertly handle probate matters, many clients prefer to minimize probate exposure through proactive estate planning. We can help you explore effective strategies, including:
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Joint ownership arrangements
- Beneficiary designations
With the right planning, you can simplify the estate administration process for your loved ones and ensure a smooth transition of assets.
How it works
Initial Consultation
We discuss the responsibilities of an executor or rights of a beneficiary (depending on your situation) and address your concerns about the probate process.
Document Review & Case Assessment
We review the will, other relevant documents, and determine your inheritance rights or develop a tailored strategy for efficient estate administration.
Implementation
If you are a beneficiary, we protect your interests throughout the probate process. If you are an executor, we handle filings, notifications, and court appearances on your behalf, providing guidance at every step.