A Last Will and Testament is a document meant to memorialize a person’s intentions regarding the disposition of his property after death. The various rules and statutes relating to the probate process are typically strictly adhered to by the Surrogate’s Court. This is because if there are any variations or…
Estate planning in New York is essential for the efficient settlement of a decedent’s estate. The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has published many articles regarding planning an estate. The various documents which may be prepared as part of a plan include a Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Health…
Estate planning in New York presents many benefits for settling an estate. The foundation for any plan is a Last Will and Testament. This document allows a person to memorialize in writing his intentions and desires regarding the disposition of estate assets. Provisions can be made for bequests of specific…
In many instances, there is a possibility that co-fiduciaries may be appointed to represent an estate. Let’s begin by examining intestate administration. When a decedent dies without a Last Will and Testament, the appointment of an estate administrator is determined in accordance with Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act Section 1001 entitled…
A decedent’s estate consists of many different types of interests and assets. These items may include bank accounts, security or other financial accounts, real estate interests, various retirement accounts such as individual retirement accounts, pensions and 401(k) plans, and business interests in partnerships or limited liability companies. There can also…
It is not uncommon that a person who dies was the subject of an Article 81 Guardianship proceeding prior to death. The Guardianship statutes are contained in Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law. A Guardian for personal needs and property management will be appointed where a person is determined…
Article 81 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law provides the various statutory provisions for a New York Guardianship. Typically, the statute is utilized to obtain a guardianship over another person’s financial affairs and personal needs. The subject of these proceedings is referred to as an alleged incapacitated person (“AIP”).…
The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has published many articles concerning estate settlement. Factors that can affect a New York estate are enumerable. In the first instance, a determination must be made as to whether a Last Will and Testament needs to be probated. If no Will exists, than an…
There are many aspects to the settlement of a New York estate. First and foremost, there needs to be a determination as to whether the decedent had a Last Will and Testament or died intestate without a Will. The existence of a Will provides provisions for the distribution of a…
The initial inquiry when a person dies is whether or not the decedent has a Last Will and Testament. Where a Will exists, a probate proceeding is commenced in the Surrogate’s Court. Assuming the Will is admitted to probate, the terms of the document control the appointment of an executor…