Probate Attorney in Glen Head, NY

Get Your Family Through Probate Without the Overwhelm

When you’re grieving, the last thing you need is legal confusion. Our Glen Head probate attorneys handle the complex paperwork and court procedures so you can focus on what matters most—your family.

Estate Administration Glen Head NY

Your Loved One's Wishes, Properly Honored

You’ll have peace of mind knowing every detail is handled correctly. No missed deadlines, no family disputes, no surprises from the court. Just a smooth process that gets your family’s inheritance distributed according to your loved one’s exact wishes.

The probate process doesn’t have to drag on for years. With proper legal guidance, most estates in New York settle within 9 to 18 months. You’ll know exactly what to expect at each step, and we’ll keep you informed throughout the entire process.

When everything is complete, you’ll have the closure you need to move forward. Your family will receive their rightful inheritance, and you’ll know you fulfilled your responsibilities as executor with integrity and care.

Probate Law Firm Glen Head

Long Island Families Trust Us for Good Reason

We’ve been serving Nassau and Suffolk County families for years, and we understand what Long Island residents face during probate. We know the local Surrogate’s Court procedures, the common challenges with Long Island real estate, and how to navigate the complexities that make New York probate different from other states.

We’re not a big corporate firm that treats you like a case number. We’re a community-based practice that builds lasting relationships with families across generations. Many of our clients come to us through referrals from families we’ve helped before.

Our bilingual team speaks Spanish and Italian, reflecting the diverse communities we serve throughout Long Island. We offer home visits, hospital consultations, and nursing home meetings because we understand that life doesn’t always happen in an office.

Probate Process Glen Head NY

Here's Exactly What Happens Next

First, we’ll meet with you to review the will and assess the estate. We’ll explain your responsibilities as executor and create a clear timeline for the entire process. You’ll know what to expect and when to expect it.

Next, we file the probate petition with the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court and handle all the required notifications to beneficiaries and heirs. We’ll obtain your letters testamentary, which give you the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Then we guide you through asset identification, debt payment, and tax obligations. We’ll help you value the estate properly and ensure all creditors are paid according to New York law. Finally, we’ll prepare the final accounting and distribute assets to beneficiaries, officially closing the estate when everything is complete.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Fratello Law

Get a Free Consultation

Executor Legal Help Glen Head

Everything You Need for Complete Estate Settlement

Our probate services cover every aspect of estate administration in New York. We handle will validation, executor appointments, asset inventory, creditor notifications, and final distributions. If disputes arise, we’re prepared to protect your interests in Surrogate’s Court.

For Long Island families, we understand the unique challenges of probate here. Many estates include valuable real estate that requires careful handling. We know how to work with local appraisers, real estate agents, and tax assessors to ensure property is properly valued and transferred.

We also handle the specific requirements that make New York probate complex. This includes understanding the state’s estate tax threshold of one million dollars, managing the seven-month creditor claim period, and ensuring compliance with all Surrogate’s Court procedures. Our goal is to complete your probate efficiently while protecting your family’s interests at every step.

How long does probate take in New York?

Most probate cases in New York take between 9 to 18 months to complete, though the timeline depends on several factors. The process has a built-in minimum of seven months because creditors have that long to make claims against the estate. Simple estates with clear wills and no disputes typically move faster, while complex estates or those with family disagreements can take longer. Factors that may extend the timeline include contested wills, difficulty locating assets, tax complications, or real estate that’s hard to sell. Working with an experienced probate attorney can help prevent delays by ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and keep you informed if anything changes along the way.

What does an executor need to do in New York probate?

As executor, you’re responsible for managing the entire estate administration process under court supervision. Your first step is filing the probate petition with the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the deceased lived, along with the original will and death certificate. Once appointed, you’ll need to identify and secure all estate assets, notify beneficiaries and creditors, pay valid debts and taxes, and eventually distribute remaining assets according to the will. You’ll also need to file periodic accountings with the court showing how you’ve managed the estate’s finances. The role carries significant legal responsibilities, and mistakes can result in personal liability. That’s why most executors work with a probate attorney to ensure they’re fulfilling their duties properly and protecting themselves from potential claims by beneficiaries or creditors.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Glen Head, NY?

While New York doesn’t legally require an attorney for probate, the process is complex enough that most families benefit from professional guidance. The Surrogate’s Court has specific procedures and deadlines that must be followed exactly, and mistakes can be costly. Probate involves legal documents, court filings, tax considerations, and potential disputes that are difficult to navigate without experience. An attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensure compliance with all requirements, and protect you from personal liability as executor. Given that probate typically involves significant assets and the process can take over a year, the cost of legal representation is usually a wise investment. Most families find that having an attorney actually saves time and money by preventing delays and complications.

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,” and the state’s intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed. The court will appoint an administrator (similar to an executor) to handle the estate, typically a surviving spouse or adult child. New York’s intestacy laws prioritize surviving spouses and children, but the exact distribution depends on the family situation. If there’s a surviving spouse and children, the spouse typically receives the first $50,000 plus half of the remaining estate, with children sharing the rest. The process is generally more complicated than probate with a will because there’s no clear guidance about the deceased person’s wishes. Family disputes are more common, and the court has less flexibility in handling unique situations. This is why having a valid will is so important for protecting your family’s interests.

How much does probate cost in New York?

Probate costs in New York vary based on the estate’s size and complexity. Court filing fees are calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value, starting at around $45 for smaller estates and increasing for larger ones. These fees are paid from estate assets, not out of your pocket. Attorney fees are typically the largest expense and can be structured as hourly rates or flat fees depending on the complexity. Many probate attorneys offer transparent pricing so you know what to expect upfront. The executor is also entitled to statutory commissions based on the estate’s value. Additional costs may include appraisal fees, accounting fees, and costs for publishing required notices. While these expenses might seem significant, proper legal representation often saves money by preventing delays, disputes, and costly mistakes that could result in personal liability for the executor.

Can probate be avoided in New York?

Yes, probate can often be avoided or simplified through proper estate planning. Assets held in trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) typically don’t go through probate and transfer directly to the beneficiaries. New York also offers a simplified “small estate” procedure for estates valued under $50,000 in personal property. This process, called voluntary administration, requires only one court filing and can be completed much faster than full probate. However, if someone owns real estate solely in their name or has significant assets without beneficiary designations, probate is usually necessary. The key is planning ahead with trusts, joint ownership, and proper beneficiary designations to minimize what goes through probate while ensuring your wishes are carried out.

Local Resources

Glen Head, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State

Probate Attorney in Glen Head, NY

Get Your Family Through Probate Without the Overwhelm