While everyone understands the concept of inheritance, few are aware of the legal requirements and complex court proceedings for releasing and distributing assets of a deceased person. So, when a loved one passes, it’s natural to feel confused and a little overwhelmed. Fortunately, the Cormac McEnery Law Firm is available to help.
Drawing on more than 45 years of experience, Cormac McEnery Law Firm probate lawyers manage your probate proceedings or estate administration reliably. We also maintain the highest standards for client service, including communicating frequently and letting you know where the estate stands at every phase of the process.
When you engage our law firm, we will work diligently to settle your loved ones’ estate ethically, swiftly and cost-effectively.
When you engage our law firm, we will work diligently to settle your loved ones’ estate ethically, swiftly and cost-effectively.
Understanding The Difference Between Probate & Estate Administration
In New York, there are two processes for settling a decedent’s estate. If the decedent left a will, the surrogate court probates the will, meaning that it rules on the will’s validity and approves an executor to settle debts and distribute assets according to the terms of the will. Our probate lawyers often serve as executors for clients whose wills they have prepared.
When a person dies without a will, i.e. intestate, the surrogate court must approve an estate administrator whom the known heirs select. The administrator has several duties to fulfill:
- •Settle creditor claims against the estate
- •Collect any debts owed to the decedent
- •Locate beneficiaries
- •Settle all federal, state and estate taxes the estate owes
- •Administer guardianships for minor children and dependent adults
- •Execute deed transfers of real estate
- •Mediate disputes among beneficiaries
When selecting a New York estate planning attorney to administer your loved ones’ estate, you should consider that person’s experience, reputation for integrity and the ease with which the attorney communicates, giving you the answers you need.
Overcoming Obstacles to A Timely Estate Settlement
The goal of probate and estate administration is to settle the decedent’s estate while avoiding unnecessary delays and expenses that eat away at the estate’s value. Since no two estates are identical, it’s impossible to say with certainty how long the process might take. Factors that delay settlement include:
- •Lack of organization within the decedent’s estate
- •Litigation with the estate’s creditors and debtors
- •In-fighting among family members
- •Will contests from disappointed heirs
Our firm’s NY probate lawyers understand that heirs often depend on assets that are frozen during proceedings, so we work diligently to overcome any impediments to settlement.
Talk to Seasoned NY Probate Lawyers Today
Cormac McEnery Law Firm offers probate services in many areas in New York including City Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Southern Westchester County. Our probate attorneys are ready to represent your estate and fight for your rights. To book your free consultation, call us at (718) 885-1234 and talk to one of our New York probate lawyers today.