What Happens To Your Estate If You Die Without a Will

When an individual passes away without having a valid will in place, they’re deemed by the law to have died interstate—which means that the administration and distribution of their estate will be done in accordance with the legislation. On the other hand, when you have a will, you can dictate the distribution of your estate and appoint an executor of choice who ensures your wishes are carried out. Who Administers Read More

Executor’s Commission: What It Is & How It Works

For many, taking up the role of an executor of state would be something honorable. The position is often assigned to a family member or friend of a deceased person who was close and trustworthy to the deceased person. That being the case, the role used to be entirely voluntary and was not something you got compensated for. After all, it was something you were doing for a loved one who had passed away. This, however, Read More

3 Key Reasons You Should Create an Estate Plans for Your Future

When we talk about estate planning, many people immediately associate it with the ultra-rich. However, contrary to popular belief, anyone can benefit from having an estate plan no matter what their net worth is. According to Forbes, only 42% of the adults in the United States currently have an estate plan such as a living trust or a will. While end-of-life planning can be depressing and seem morbid, it is Read More

Common Probate Issues

According to Forbes, the COVID-19 crisis has forced US citizens to consider estate planning more seriously. As the crisis's volatility continues to impact our everyday lives, wealth transfer has become more common. Before you get down to business and start writing your will, here are a few problems that you might face in New York: Will Contests A will contest is a legal effort made to invalidate a will. Anyone can Read More

When Is Probate Not Necessary In New York?

When you're planning your estate, your goal should be to spare your family and legal heirs the hassle as much as you can. The probate court proceedings could be very extensive, costly, and complicated. If you're based in New York, here's when you can avoid probate: Joint Ownership If you jointly owned property with your deceased spouse, the probate process won't apply if you had 'rights of survivorship.' In this Read More

Probate vs. Non-Probate: What Is the Difference?

When a loved one has passed on, you will inevitably need to begin the work of settling their estate, which will involve going through the probate process with a Queens probate lawyer. In order to ensure your loved one’s property is distributed properly, it’s necessary to understand the difference between probate vs. non-probate assets. What Is Probate? The probate process proves the validity of a will before a Read More