New York Probate &
Estate Administration

Guiding families and executors through probate with clarity and efficiency. We help you manage estate administration, avoid delays, and protect your interests.

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How We Help

Supporting Executors
and Families

Probate carries real legal responsibilities. We guide you through each one so nothing is missed and delays are minimized.

File probate petitions and all required court documents

Guide executors through their legal responsibilities step by step

Manage estate and trust administration from start to finish

Handle probate real estate matters and property transfers

Resolve disputes and coordinate asset distributions to beneficiaries

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The Probate Process

What to Expect
Step by Step

Probate is the court process of validating a will and distributing assets. Without a will, the estate goes through administration.

Filing The Will with the Court
Appoint an Executor or Administrator
Notify Beneficiaries and Creditors
Collect and Manage Estate Assets
Pay debts and taxes
Distribute Remaining Assets

NOTE: Some assets avoid probate, including jointly owned property, accounts with beneficiaries, and trust-held assets.

An elderly man and woman in business attire looking at a document and discussing, sitting at a wooden table in front of a window with blinds.

Timeline & Costs

How Long Probate Takes
and What It Costs

Every estate is different. Delays most often result from disputes, creditor claims, or incomplete filings — all of which we help you anticipate and avoid.

6–9 mo

Simple Estates

Clear will, few assets, no disputes. The most straightforward cases move quickly with proper filing.

12+ mo

Complex Cases

Disputes, contested wills, business interests, or significant creditor claims can extend the timeline considerably.

9–12 mo

Moderate Estates

Multiple assets, more beneficiaries, or minor tax considerations that require additional coordination.

Varies

Without an Attorney

Errors and missed deadlines can cause months of additional delays — and potential personal liability for executors.

Probate may include court fees, attorney fees, executor commissions, and appraisal costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Executors carry real legal duties. Mistakes can result in personal liability, delays, and family conflict.

✕ Filing errors or missing required documents

✕ Mismanaging or distributing estate assets too early

✕ Delays in providing required notices to creditors

✕ Not understanding the executor's full legal duties

Common Questions

Estate Probate,
Plainly Answered.

While it is possible to handle probate on your own, working with an experienced estate probate attorney helps ensure all legal requirements are met. A lawyer can help avoid delays, reduce the risk of errors, and guide executors through complex responsibilities under New York probate law.
The probate process in New York typically takes anywhere from 6 months to over a year. Simpler estates may move faster, while larger or contested estates can take longer due to court schedules, creditor claims, and administrative requirements.
Yes, a will must be filed with the Surrogate’s Court in order to begin the probate process in New York. The court reviews the will and formally appoints an executor to administer the estate.
No, a will does not avoid probate. It only provides instructions on how assets should be distributed during the probate process. To avoid probate, individuals must use strategies such as trusts, joint ownership, or beneficiary designations.
Estate administrator duties include managing and protecting assets, paying debts and taxes, filing court documents, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Administrators must follow New York probate law and act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries.