Why hire a Probate Lawyer in New York?

Do I need to do a Probate?

If a loved one has passed away and that person owned property in New York, you may need to open a probate. Probate is a court process in which a loved one asks a judge for an order allowing them to access their deceased loved one’s assets. You may need to open a probate if a loved one has passed away and that person owned property. Examples of the types of assets that might require a probate include if your loved one owned:

  • Real Estate

  • Bank Accounts

  • Investments

  • Retirement Accounts

  • Businesses

  • Vehicles

  • Other Assets

Do I need Probate if my loved one left a Will?

YES. In New York, a Last Will & Testament will not allow a loved one to access financial accounts or sell real property. A Will simply acts as a set of instructions to the court, allowing the person making the Will to nominate:

  1. Who should be their representative (Executor), and

  2. Who should receive their assets (Beneficiaries).

In order to begin the process of collecting and distributing a deceased loved one’s assets, the court must verify that the Will is valid. If the Will is valid, then the court will issue a court order (known as Letters Testamentary) that will actually allow you to begin carrying out the administration for your loved one.

Do I need a Lawyer to help me with a Probate?

The simple answer is YES! Why? Probate in New York involves dealing with the court, which can be a complex and confusing process. Without an experienced advocate or estate planning attorney, loved ones can be stuck in court for years at a time.

In summary, hiring a probate lawyer can save time, reduce stress, and provide legal protection, ensuring the probate process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why hire a Probate Attorney at Starsia Law?

Starsia Law in Burnt Hills, New York is a family-owned elderly law firm, specializing in estate planning and probate proceedings. Our team understands that it is overwhelming when a loved one dies—both emotionally and logistically. Our goal is to ensure that the probate process is as smooth as possible. Our commitment to our clients is to provide clear communication, transparent billing, and personal services.

If you’d like to schedule your Estate Administration Strategy Meeting, or discuss whether that meeting is a good fit for your needs, please call us at (518) 309-2252, or schedule a free 15-minute introductory call online.

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