What are non-probate assets and how to recover them?  

estate assets document

When a person passes away, their estate is often comprised of probate assets and non-probate assets.  Probate assets are assets that will be distributed according to the decedent’s Last Will & Testament.  These assets are titled solely in the decedent’s name. Non-probate assets are sometimes called testamentary substitutes.  These assets have beneficiaries associated with the […]

What commissions are an Executor or Administrator entitled to?

pile of hundred dollar bills

An Executor or Administrator of a decedent’s estate is entitled to a commission.  The job of the Executor or Administrator is to gather all the assets of the decedent, pay the liabilities, and distribute the funds according to the decedent’s Last Will & Testament or according to the intestacy rules of New York.  The executor […]

What is an Ancillary Probate or Ancillary Administration Proceeding?

law book that's titled probate

When a person passes away with real property in multiple states, an ancillary proceeding may be necessary. The primary probate proceeding (if the person passed away with a Last Will & Testament) or primary administration proceeding (if the person passed away without a Last Will & Testament) is commenced in the State and County where […]

Seven Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust

  Many Americans simply leave a will to distribute their assets upon their passing.  However, the creation of a Revocable Living Trust creates several benefits unavailable to those simply leaving a will. Here are seven benefits to creating a Revocable Living Trust 1) Avoiding Probate- A great benefit of a living trust is that it […]