Probate Proceeding in New York

A probate proceeding in New York is the process in which a will of a decedent is found to be valid by the surrogate court in the county in which the decedent died.

The purpose of a probate proceeding in New York is to find the will of a decedent valid thereby allowing the heirs mentioned in the will to receive their shares of the estate.

Yes, there are two types of probate proceedings in New York. First, there is a probate proceeding, which is for estates valued at over $30,000. The second type of proceeding is called an administrative proceeding, which is for estates valued at under $30,000. Furthermore, administrative proceedings are generally less complex and less costly than a regular probate proceeding in New York.

No, a probate proceeding would not occur in New York if there were no will. When there is no will, the estate is considered intestate and would fall under state law. Under state law, the property and assets of the decedent would be distributed to the next living family members. If no living family members can be found, then the property and assets would go back to the state.

Yes, a probate proceeding in New York is a lengthy process. Oftentimes, people think it will not take long because it seems like a straightforward process. However, delays arise often during probate proceedings, and a probate proceeding in New York can usually take upward of a year or longer.

An estate needs to enter a probate proceeding when the property and assets of the deceased are valued at over $30,000.

The executor is appointed by the decedent or, in cases where one was not appointed in the will, by the court. The executor is responsible for the handling of the will. Furthermore, they are responsible for paying the estate’s debts and for distributing the assets and property of the will at the conclusion of the probate proceedings.

Anyone specifically mentioned in a will can contest the aforementioned will. They must be slated to gain (or lose) financially by the will.

Someone may decide to contest a will in a probate proceeding in New York if they believe something is not right with the proceedings. For example, an heir may decide to contest a will because they believe the decedent was coerced into signing the will.

Yes, you can avoid a probate proceeding in New York with proper estate planning. For example, using a living trust instead of a will can avoid probate because the assets and property are transferred to a living person immediately after the person dies.

There are several grounds upon which a will can be contested. These grounds include undue influence, fraud, testamentary capacity, and forgery.

A creditor is an individual who has a claim against the estate of the decedent or of the decedent themself.

Yes, disputes can occur in a probate proceeding in New York. These disputes can occur at any time. These disputes can delay the proceedings and cause the probate to last longer than anticipated.

The executor can have a claim filed against them by the beneficiaries if the beneficiaries believe the executor is not fulfilling their duties. This is a serious allegation.

A will is considered valid in New York if it is signed by the decedent and two witnesses.

No, there is no strict deadline to conclude a probate proceeding in New York. However, it should be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Delays do occur, so sometimes they lost longer than they should.

No, there is no deadline to file a will in New York. However, it is recommended to do it as soon as possible.

No, there is no deadline to file a probate on a will in New York. As with filing a will, it is recommended to do it as soon as possible.

Yes, you can force someone to produce a will in a probate proceeding in New York. If you believe someone is withholding the will of the decedent, the court can force them to produce it.

Yes, you can hire a probate lawyer during a probate proceeding in New York.

A probate lawyer will know the complexities of a probate proceeding in New York and be able to guide you through the process. Additionally, a probate lawyer will have extensive knowledge of the laws surrounding probate in New York. Furthermore, a probate lawyer will settle disputes that arise during the proceedings.