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…
New York Probate Lawyer Blog
New York Beneficiary Designations on Assets May Complicate Estate Settlement
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…
New York Intestate Rights of Adopted Children Can Be Complicated
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…
A Mere Promise to Make a Gift in a Last Will is Generally Unenforceable
The probate of a Last Will and Testament is essentially the procedure by which a Will is validated by the Surrogate’s Court. The New York trust and estate laws contain many provisions which are intended to protect the sanctity of a Will and insure that the intentions of a decedent…
Caution is Needed When Entering Into a Contract on Behalf of a Trust or Estate
One of the primary assets which may be owned by a trust or estate is real estate. This asset may be in the form of residential real property or commercial property. Also, other types of similar assets should be included in the discussion. A condominium unit is real property but…
A Trustee Must Act in Good Faith Even If Given Broad Discretion
There are many different types of trusts. A trust may be created as part of the terms of a Last Will and Testament. Such a trust is known as a testamentary trust. In these cases, the testator incorporates the trust terms into the dispositive provision in a Will. For example,…
Contesting a New York Will Requires Standing
The probate process in New York can appear daunting to persons unfamiliar with the statutes and procedures relating to such matters. In cases where a person dies and leaves a Last Will and Testament, the Will must be filed with the Surrogate’s Court in order to obtain the Court’s approval…
Executors May Not Sell Real Estate Which is Specifically Devised
The probate of a Last Will and Testament validates the provisions contained in the Will. The various Will directions can take many forms. There can be dispositions of specific dollar amounts to beneficiaries, as well as dispositions based upon a stated percentage or share of the estate or of all…
Mere Delay in Prosecuting a Probate Proceeding May Not Result in a Dismissal
When a person dies, one of the initial issues is whether the individual had a Last Will and Testament. This determination is important because the existence of a Will provides the roadmap for the administration and distribution of a decedent’s estate. In cases where there is no Will, a person…
A Last Will and Testament and Revocable Trust Executed Out of State May Be Valid in a New York Proceeding
The preparation and execution of estate planning documents typically occurs in the State where a person maintains their primary home. Such location is referred to as a person’s domicile. Domicile is distinguishable from mere residence. Someone can have multiple residences, but can have only one domicile. Estate planning papers can…