Trusted Legal Guidance On Probate In New York

If you have been named as the executor of a loved one’s estate, you have weighty responsibilities to shoulder. Navigating the probate process can be challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.

At Vella, Carbone & Vinson, LLP, we provide knowledgeable legal guidance for executors on all aspects of the probate process. Our award-winning probate lawyers draw on more than 70 years of combined experience to address any hurdles or complications that arise along the way. Based in Delmar, we help people throughout the Capital Region fulfill their legal duties as executors with care and diligence.

The Threshold Question: Is Probate Necessary?

Not all estates need to go through probate. Small estates – those under a certain value – and those that dispose of assets entirely through trusts, beneficiary designations or jointly held titles, for example, won’t need to go through the formal probate process. They can be handled through a simplified estate administration proceeding or through estate administration outside of court.

Understanding The Probate Process

For estates that do need to go through probate, the process involves the following key steps:

• Inventorying all of the estate’s property
• Filing and validating the will (if there is one)
• Addressing any creditor claims on the estate
• Distributing assets in accordance with the will (or state law, if there is no will)

Legal guidance is critical at all stages of the probate process. Our attorneys can ensure that you uphold your fiduciary duties as an executor to avoid personal liability for mishandled estates.

Strong Trial Lawyers For Contested Probate Proceedings

With some estates, disputes arise before or during the probate process. There may be disagreements among beneficiaries or heirs about the validity of the will. Our legal team is well-positioned to address any estate disputes. As seasoned litigators, we can represent you in proceedings involving contested wills, beneficiary disputes, challenges to the estate accountings and other types of estate litigation matters.

Discuss Your Probate Questions

For more information on navigating probate in New York, please contact our firm online to arrange an initial consultation with a member of our team. You can also reach us by phone at 518-257-7304.