Probate Attorney in Plainview, NY

Stop Probate From Dragging On For Years

Get your family’s inheritance settled right the first time with experienced local guidance.

Estate Administration Plainview NY

Your Family Gets What They Deserve

Probate mistakes cost families time, money, and relationships. When someone handles your case wrong, you’re looking at years of delays, unnecessary legal fees, and frustrated beneficiaries.

When it’s done right, your family gets their inheritance without the drama. Assets get distributed properly, debts get settled correctly, and everyone can move forward with their lives.

The difference is working with someone who knows Nassau County Surrogate’s Court procedures inside and out. Someone who understands that in New York, probate typically takes 15 months but poor handling can stretch it to three years.

Probate Lawyers Plainview NY

We Know Long Island Families

Fratello Law focuses exclusively on elder law and estate planning for Long Island families. We understand what Plainview residents face—multi-generational homeownership, local property values, and Nassau County’s specific legal requirements.

We serve the area’s diverse communities with bilingual services in Spanish and Italian. We come to you when you need us most, offering home, hospital, and nursing home visits.

Our approach is simple: clear communication, patient guidance, and personalized service that respects your time and your family’s needs during a difficult period.

Probate Process Plainview NY

We Handle Everything So You Don't Have To

First, we review the will and identify what actually needs probate. Not everything goes through court, and we’ll show you what can be handled more efficiently.

Next, we file all paperwork with Nassau County Surrogate’s Court and handle required notifications to beneficiaries and creditors. We get you appointed as executor with full legal authority to act on the estate’s behalf.

Then we guide you through asset inventory, creditor management, and tax obligations. Everything gets documented properly and deadlines are met so the process moves as quickly as possible.

Finally, we handle asset distribution according to the will and get the estate closed properly. You’ll have complete documentation of everything that was done and why.

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Probate Court Plainview NY

Complete Probate Administration Service

You get full probate administration from initial court filings to final asset distribution. We prepare all required documents, manage court deadlines, and communicate with beneficiaries on your behalf.

For Plainview families, this means understanding local considerations like Nassau County property values, regional tax implications, and how Long Island’s aging population affects estate planning decisions. We know the local Surrogate’s Court procedures and what documentation they expect.

Our bilingual capabilities serve the area’s diverse communities, and our flexible meeting options mean we can meet you wherever is most convenient. You get consistent communication throughout the process so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.

How long does probate take in Plainview, NY?

Probate in New York typically takes 15 months, but can range from 7 months to 3 years depending on the complexity of the estate and whether any complications arise.The minimum timeline is 7 months because creditors have that long to file claims against the estate. Simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries can sometimes be completed in 7-9 months.However, estates with disputes, missing documents, complex assets, or contested wills can take much longer. Having experienced legal guidance from the start helps avoid delays that could stretch the process unnecessarily.

What assets have to go through probate in New York?

Only assets owned solely by the deceased person without beneficiary designations must go through probate. This includes individual bank accounts, solely owned real estate, cars, jewelry, and personal property in the deceased’s name only.Assets that avoid probate include jointly owned property, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, life insurance policies with designated beneficiaries, and assets held in trust. These pass directly to the surviving owners or beneficiaries.In New York, estates under $50,000 in personal property may qualify for simplified small estate procedures instead of full probate, which can save time and money for smaller estates.

Do I need a probate attorney in Plainview, NY?

While New York doesn’t legally require an attorney for probate, the process is complex enough that most people benefit from professional guidance. The Surrogate’s Court has specific procedures, deadlines, and documentation requirements that must be followed exactly.Executors can be held personally liable for mistakes in estate administration, including improper asset distribution, missed creditor notifications, or tax filing errors. Professional guidance helps protect you from these risks.Given that probate typically involves significant assets and affects multiple family members, having an experienced attorney usually saves time, reduces stress, and ensures everything is handled correctly the first time.

What happens if someone dies without a will in New York?

When someone dies without a will in New York, their estate goes through “administration” rather than probate, and assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws rather than the deceased person’s wishes.The court appoints an administrator (usually a close family member) to handle the estate. The administrator has similar responsibilities to an executor but must follow New York’s predetermined distribution scheme, which typically favors spouses and children.This process can be more complicated and time-consuming than probate with a will because the court doesn’t have clear guidance about the deceased person’s intentions. It often results in distributions that don’t match what the person would have wanted.

How much does probate cost in New York?

Probate costs in New York include court filing fees based on the estate’s value, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for larger estates. Additional costs include attorney fees, executor compensation, and any necessary appraisals.Executor fees are set by New York law and calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value. These fees are paid from the estate, not out of pocket by the executor.Attorney fees vary but are typically structured as either hourly rates or flat fees for straightforward cases. Many attorneys offer initial consultations to discuss costs upfront, and fees are usually paid from estate assets rather than by family members personally.

Can probate be avoided in New York?

Yes, probate can often be avoided through proper estate planning. Assets held in revocable living trusts, jointly owned property, and accounts with designated beneficiaries typically pass outside of probate.For smaller estates under $50,000 in personal property, New York offers simplified procedures that are faster and less expensive than full probate. These “small estate” or “voluntary administration” procedures can significantly reduce time and costs.However, avoiding probate requires advance planning. If someone dies with solely owned assets and no beneficiary designations, probate will likely be necessary regardless of the estate’s size. The key is setting up the right structures while you’re still alive and able to make these decisions.

Local Resources

Plainview, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State

Probate Attorney in Plainview, NY

Stop Probate From Dragging On For Years