Probate Attorney in Brookville, NY

Navigate Probate with Confidence and Compassion

When you’re dealing with loss, probate shouldn’t add to your stress—our experienced probate attorneys guide Brookville families through every step.

Estate Administration Brookville NY

Your Family's Future, Properly Settled

You’re not just closing an estate—you’re honoring your loved one’s wishes while protecting what matters most to your family. Our probate attorneys handle the complex legal requirements so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

With our guidance, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that can delay probate for months or even years. We ensure all assets are properly identified, debts are settled according to New York law, and beneficiaries receive their inheritance without unnecessary complications.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is handled correctly? That’s what allows families to begin their next chapter with confidence.

Probate Lawyers Brookville NY

Long Island's Trusted Probate Law Firm

We’ve been serving Brookville and Long Island families since 2012, building a reputation for compassionate, thorough probate representation. We understand that losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate complex legal procedures alone.

Our team knows Nassau County’s probate courts inside and out. We’ve guided hundreds of families through estate administration, from simple probate proceedings to complex cases involving will contests or significant assets.

What sets us apart is our commitment to making legal services accessible when you need them most. We offer home visits, bilingual services in Spanish and Italian, and flexible scheduling because we know grief doesn’t follow business hours.

Probate Process Brookville NY

Your Clear Path Through Probate

First, we’ll meet with you to review the will and assess the estate’s assets. During this initial consultation, we’ll explain the probate timeline and what to expect at each stage. There’s never a fee for this first meeting.

Next, we handle the court filings, including the probate petition and all required notices to beneficiaries and creditors. We’ll help you obtain letters testamentary, which give you the legal authority to act as executor.

Throughout the process, we manage asset inventory, debt settlement, and tax obligations. We keep you informed every step of the way and handle communications with the court, creditors, and beneficiaries.

Finally, we ensure proper distribution of assets according to the will and New York law. Our goal is to complete probate as efficiently as possible while protecting your family’s interests and maintaining harmony among beneficiaries.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Fratello Law

Get a Free Consultation

Executor Legal Help Brookville

Complete Probate Support for Executors

Being named as an executor comes with significant legal responsibilities. You’re required to inventory all assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute property according to the will—all while following strict court procedures and deadlines.

In Brookville’s high-value real estate market, executor duties become even more complex. Properties may need professional appraisals, and significant assets require careful management to preserve value for beneficiaries.

Our probate services include preparing all court documents, handling creditor claims, managing estate bank accounts, and ensuring compliance with New York’s probate laws. We also represent executors in will contests or disputes that may arise during the probate process.

For Brookville families, we understand the importance of discretion and professionalism when handling substantial estates. Our experience with high-net-worth probate cases means we can anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.

How long does probate take in New York?

Probate in New York typically takes a minimum of seven to eight months, but can extend much longer depending on the complexity of the estate. The timeline begins when creditors are notified and given seven months to file claims against the estate. Simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries may be completed closer to the minimum timeframe. However, estates involving real estate, business interests, or family disputes often take 12-18 months or more. Factors that can extend probate include will contests, difficulty locating assets, tax complications, or disputes among beneficiaries. Our role is to keep the process moving efficiently while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

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

When someone dies without a will in New York, it’s called dying “intestate.” The court will appoint an administrator to handle the estate, and assets are distributed according to New York’s intestacy laws rather than the deceased person’s wishes. The distribution follows a specific order: surviving spouse and children first, then parents, siblings, and other relatives. If no relatives can be found, the estate goes to the state. Intestate administration often takes longer than probate with a will because the court must determine rightful heirs and may require additional documentation. It’s also more expensive and can create family conflicts over asset distribution.

Do all assets have to go through probate?

Not all assets require probate. Assets that pass directly to beneficiaries include jointly owned property, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, life insurance policies, and assets held in trust. However, assets owned solely by the deceased person typically must go through probate. This includes individual bank accounts, real estate in the deceased’s name only, personal property, and investments without beneficiary designations. In New York, estates valued under $50,000 (excluding real estate) may qualify for simplified small estate procedures. For larger estates, formal probate is usually required to legally transfer ownership of assets.

Can a will be contested during probate?

Yes, interested parties can contest a will during probate if they believe it’s invalid. Common grounds for will contests include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. Will contests must be filed within specific time limits and can significantly delay the probate process. The person contesting the will must prove their claims, and the matter may require extensive litigation. We have experience defending valid wills against contests and can also represent parties who have legitimate concerns about a will’s validity. We work to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our clients’ interests.

What are the executor's responsibilities in probate?

An executor has numerous legal responsibilities, including filing the probate petition, inventorying all estate assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property according to the will. They must also provide accountings to beneficiaries and the court. Executors are held to a high standard of care and can be personally liable for mistakes or mismanagement. They must act in the estate’s best interests, avoid conflicts of interest, and keep detailed records of all transactions. The role requires significant time and attention, especially for complex estates. Many executors benefit from legal representation to ensure they fulfill their duties properly and avoid personal liability.

How much does probate cost in New York?

Probate costs in New York include court filing fees, attorney fees, and executor commissions. Filing fees range from $280 for estates under $100,000 to $1,250 for estates over $500,000, based on the estate’s gross value. Attorney fees are typically based on the complexity of the estate and time required. Executor commissions are set by New York law and calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value. Additional costs may include appraisal fees, accounting fees, and costs for publishing required notices. While probate involves expenses, proper legal representation can actually save money by avoiding costly mistakes and delays.

Local Resources

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

Probate Attorney in Brookville, NY

Navigate Probate with Confidence and Compassion