What is estate planning? 
Estate planning is managing the accumulation and disposition of an estate. Most often, the intent of estate planning is to minimize taxes and maximize the transfer of wealth to the intended beneficiary. Wills, trusts, powers of appointment, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills can all be used in planning your estate. Estate Probate and Administration
This is a court proceeding in which final debts are settled and legal title to property is formally passed from the decedent to the heirs. These types of cases are filed in the surrogate court of the county where the deceased person resided at death.
Our Queens estate planning attorneys have experience in estate probate and administration, and offer their knowledge to those in need of guidance. If there is a will, it usually is in the possession of an executor or some other person who must come forth and file a petition for probate. The judge then decides the validity of the will as well as deals with any objections. If there is no will, then somebody must ask the court to be appointed administrator.
The role of the executor or administrator
The executor or administrator of the estate has many responsibilities:
- Collect , inventory, and appraise all assets that are subject to estate proceedings
- Pay taxes
- Pay creditors
- Pay funeral expenses
- Pay the costs of administration, such as for lawyers or appraisers
- Formerly transfer the estate property according to the will
- If there is no will, transfer the estate property according to state laws
Alternatives to probate and administration
There are a number of ways you can avoid probate, so that your money and property passes directly to your heirs. Our Queens estate planning law firm can advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, including:
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These alternatives require advanced estate planning in Queens and Brooklyn, New York. Work with us now to minimize the hardship to your family at the time of your death.
Experienced and caring legal assistance
Contact us online or call us at (866) 570-9638 for experienced and caring legal help ensure that your estate will not encounter problems in probate.
