When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll is often overwhelming. On top of grieving, families are left with the responsibility of managing their affairs—especially their estate. That’s where probate comes in. If you’ve ever heard the term but weren’t quite sure what it meant or how it works in New York, this article...Read More

If you’ve recently received a “Notice of Probate,” you may wonder what it means and whether you need to take action. In New York, a Notice of Probate is a formal notification that a loved one’s Last Will and Testament is being submitted to the Surrogate’s Court to begin the legal process known as probate....Read More

When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty. Amidst the emotional toll, there are often legal matters that must be addressed—especially when the person who passed owned assets in their name alone. In these situations, a court must appoint someone to handle their financial and legal affairs, a...Read More

When planning for the future, most people are familiar with the concept of a will. A will lets you state who should receive your assets after you pass away. However, a will alone might not be enough when your loved ones have specific needs—whether due to age, financial instability, or reliance on government benefits. That’s...Read More

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal matters while grieving can feel overwhelming. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets, and it often comes with questions and confusion. Understanding how probate works can help you prepare for the future and ensure your wishes—or those of a loved...Read More

We’re tackling one of the more challenging legal processes that families face after the loss of a loved one: probate in New York. Probate is a court-supervised process that ensures a deceased person’s wishes are carried out as stated in their will. Though it can be complex, understanding the basic steps of probate can make...Read More

As a probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, this topic affects many families during probate administration.Read More

When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their financial affairs. I often hear concerns from family members about missing assets or incomplete information. Let’s address these everyday worries and explore what happens in these situations. The Challenge of Incomplete Information It’s not uncommon for the...Read More

The probate process can seem daunting, especially when navigating the myriad of assets left behind by a loved one. While many assets pass through probate, some bypass this legal process altogether. Understanding this distinction is crucial for beneficiaries and executors. Let’s explore these exclusions together. Key Assets Excluded from Probate Jointly Owned Property: Real estate...Read More

For many retirees, dividing time between two beloved locations is the dream. Known as “snowbirds,” these individuals enjoy northern US states in the summer before flocking to warmer climes come winter.  While this lifestyle has many advantages, it can significantly impact the distribution of your assets when you pass away. For instance, your home state...Read More