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Preparing and submitting all required probate court documents and forms.
Losing a spouse, a parent or a close family member is always difficult. Yet, many families are unaware that during this emotional time of grief, they may have to deal with the legal and financial aspects of managing their deceased loved one’s estate. This process, called estate administration, includes collecting all assets, paying debts and taxes and distributing any remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
Estate administration is often managed through a legal procedure called probate. You don’t have to face the responsibilities of this process alone. The attorneys at Ettinger Law Firm can assist with probate if the situation arises, guiding you through the required steps to protect the assets your loved one worked so hard to earn.
While estate administration is the entire process of managing a deceased person’s estate, probate is the legal mechanism used to accomplish this in court for those dying with a will or “intestate,” meaning without a will. In New York, probate laws are demanding, dictating strict requirements you may have difficulty understanding.
One of the probate court’s first actions will be to appoint an estate executor if there’s a will or an administrator if there is no will. The experienced estate planning attorneys at Ettinger Law Firm will work with your family to ensure the proper steps are followed once probate begins. We can guide executors through their responsibilities. Sometimes, family members nominate one of our attorneys to serve as the executor to ensure assets are managed and distributed according to New York law.
When you choose Ettinger Law Firm, you can count on clear, compassionate support for executors and families navigating estate administration and the probate process. We assist with uncontested probate only, acting in the estate’s best interests while following all applicable laws.
Services we provide during estate administration and probate include:
Preparing and submitting all required probate court documents and forms.
Correspondence and filings with the New York Surrogate Court to keep the process on track.
Ensuring accurate reporting.
Legal notification to all beneficiaries and interested parties.
Advise on payment of outstanding debts, taxes and final expenses from the estate.
Detailed accounts of estate transactions for the beneficiaries and the court.
Ensuring loved ones and intended beneficiaries receive assets in accordance with the will and New York law.
Probate and estate administration can be intimidating to those unsure of the legal processes involved. As one of New York’s largest elder law and estate planning firms, we have decades of experience guiding families like yours. We’re here to relieve the anxiety you may be feeling during this time and provide peace of mind that your loved one’s legacy will be protected.
Our team takes the time to listen and answer your questions — never rushing or pressuring you. We simply help you make decisions at your own pace. Meet with us during your no-cost consultation to learn how we can help with the complex legal aspects of the probate process.
Our goal is to help New Yorkers safeguard their homes, life savings and loved ones — ensuring peace of mind today and security for their families tomorrow. If you have found yourself in the probate process, our legal expertise can help you handle these responsibilities confidently. Reach out today for guidance and support with estate management and probate.
Want to avoid probate? Learn how creating a trust and estate planning can keep your family out of court.
