Probate and Estate Services
Estate Planning at Laidlaw Firm
Estate administration is the process by which an estate is managed and distributed at the time of death. At Laidlaw Firm, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we provide clients with tailored representation in many different aspects of estate administration. Our firm understands how difficult it can be to deal with an estate after a death and we strive to minimize the additional stress placed on the surviving loved ones.
Contact Laidlaw Firm, Attorneys at Law, PLLC for a free consultation to discuss estate administration, probate, trust administration or other estate issues with an experienced lawyer. Our office is located conveniently in Bedford Hills, New York, and is easily accessible by car or train.
New York Probate Proceeding
Probate is the process where a will is proven to be valid. The courts examine the will to ensure its validity. Once declared valid, the court appoints the person named in the will as the executor and grants that person “Letters Testamentary”, which give the executor the legal right to:
- Gather and collect estate assets
- Pay Debts
- Pay Estate Taxes
- Distribute any remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will
The goal of probate is to have the will declared valid and move on to the closing of the estate. A probate petition must be filed with the Surrogate's Court.
Probate can often be a complicated process. The executor has a duty to act within a reasonable period of time. At Laidlaw Firm, we have experience working with the New York State probate laws. Taking the time to explain probate to our clients, we can help ensure that clients' interests are protected and that they understand exactly what happens during probate administration and how it affects the estate in question.
New York Estate Administration Proceeding
If the validity of a will is not established or a person dies without a will, the courts will appoint a relative of the decedent to serve as Administrator of the estate. That person will typically be required to post a bond in the gross value of the estate. In terms of heirs, the New York laws of intestate succession will apply and the Administrator will refer to those laws in identifying the decedent’s heirs.
All personal representatives, whether executors or administrators, are held personally liable for tax obligations and asset distribution, so it is extremely important to consult with an experienced attorney who can ensure you are in compliance with the decedent's wishes and the law.
Contact Laidlaw Firm, Attorneys at Law, PLLC for a free, fifteen minute phone consultation to discuss estate administration, probate, trust administration or other estate issues with an experienced lawyer. Our office is located conveniently in Bedford Hills, New York, and is easily accessible by car or train.