Guiding families through probate and estate administration after the loss of a loved one, including representation in Surrogate's Court, asset collection and transfer, estate accountings, and distributions to beneficiaries.
Probate is the legal process for transferring property after someone has died. During a difficult time, we help clients navigate probate petitions, asset inventories, final accountings, tax filings, distributions, and Surrogate’s Court requirements.
Probate is the court process that proves a will is valid and appoints the executor named in it. Administration is the process used when someone dies without a will; the court appoints an administrator and the estate passes under New York's intestacy rules, which generally favor the spouse and children. Both take place in the Surrogate's Court.
The estate of a person who lived in Westchester County is handled by the Westchester County Surrogate's Court, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, White Plains, NY 10601, regardless of where the family members live.
An uncontested estate with cooperative family members and straightforward assets commonly takes several months from filing to the issuance of letters, and longer to fully administer and close. Estate tax returns, real estate, business interests, missing heirs, or a dispute can extend the timeline considerably. We give clients a realistic schedule at the first meeting.
Yes. New York offers a simplified small estate proceeding, called voluntary administration, for estates whose personal property is worth $50,000 or less and that have no real property passing through the estate. We can tell you quickly whether an estate qualifies.
Every matter depends on its specific facts. Contact us to discuss your goals, deadlines, documents, and the best next step.
Westchester estate matters are heard at the Westchester County Surrogate's Court in White Plains. Our guide explains where it is, what it handles, and what to expect.