Probate Attorney in Great Neck Gardens, NY

Get Your Family's Inheritance Without the Wait

Professional probate guidance that cuts through court delays and protects your loved one’s legacy from unnecessary costs.

Estate Administration Great Neck Gardens

Stop Waiting, Start Settling Your Estate

You’re already dealing with loss. The last thing you need is watching your family’s inheritance shrink while you wait months for court approval.

Most families don’t realize that New York probate can take over a year to complete. That’s a year of maintaining empty houses, paying ongoing bills, and watching legal fees pile up. Meanwhile, your inheritance sits frozen in legal limbo.

The right probate attorney changes everything. You get clear guidance through Surrogate’s Court procedures, proper creditor handling, and efficient estate settlement that protects what your loved one worked so hard to build.

Probate Law Firm Great Neck Gardens

Long Island Probate Experience You Can Trust

We have been guiding Long Island families through probate for years. We understand the unique challenges of New York’s Surrogate’s Court system and the specific needs of Great Neck Gardens residents.

Our team knows that probate isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your family’s future during one of life’s most difficult times. That’s why we offer home visits, bilingual services in Spanish and Italian, and the kind of personal attention that makes a real difference.

We’ve been voted a trusted North Shore Suffolk County Law Firm because we treat every family like our own. When you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to help.

Probate Process Great Neck Gardens NY

Your Clear Path Through New York Probate

First, we review your loved one’s will and gather the necessary documents for the Surrogate’s Court filing. This includes the death certificate, will, and information about all beneficiaries and heirs.

Next, we prepare and file the probate petition with the appropriate court in your county. We handle all the legal requirements, including proper notice to family members and creditors, so nothing gets missed.

Then we guide you through obtaining letters testamentary—the court document that gives you legal authority to manage the estate. We stay in communication with the court and handle any issues that arise during the review process.

Finally, we help you settle debts, distribute assets, and close the estate properly. Throughout the entire process, you’ll know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.

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Executor Legal Help Great Neck Gardens

Complete Probate Support for Long Island Families

Our probate services include everything you need to settle an estate efficiently. We handle court filings, creditor notifications, asset inventory, and final distributions so you can focus on what matters most—your family.

Great Neck Gardens families often deal with complex situations involving multiple properties, business interests, or family members living in different states. We understand these local considerations and have the experience to navigate them smoothly.

We also recognize that many Long Island families are multi-generational, with elderly parents, adult children, and grandchildren all affected by the probate process. Our bilingual services and flexible meeting options—including home visits—ensure everyone stays informed and comfortable throughout the process.

How long does probate take in New York?

New York probate typically takes 15 months on average, though it can range from several months to three years depending on the complexity of the estate and court schedules. The timeline starts with filing the probate petition and can take one month to one year just to receive letters testamentary from the Surrogate’s Court. After that, the estate must remain open for seven months to allow creditors to file claims. Simple estates with clear wills and cooperative family members move faster, while contested wills or complex asset situations take longer. Having an experienced probate attorney helps avoid delays caused by incomplete paperwork or procedural mistakes.

What does probate cost in New York?

Probate costs in New York typically consume 4-7% of the estate’s total value, including court fees, attorney fees, and executor commissions. Court filing fees range from $45 for smaller estates to $1,250 for estates over $500,000. Attorney fees usually start around $5,000 for straightforward cases and increase based on complexity. Executor commissions are set by state law at 2-5% of the estate value. The exact cost depends on factors like estate size, family cooperation, and whether any disputes arise. Proper legal guidance from the start helps minimize unnecessary expenses and delays that drive up costs.

Do I need a probate lawyer for estate administration?

While New York doesn’t legally require a probate attorney, the process is complex enough that most people benefit significantly from professional guidance. The Surrogate’s Court has specific procedures, deadlines, and documentation requirements that must be followed precisely. Mistakes can cause months of delays, additional court appearances, and higher costs. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these requirements efficiently. Additionally, executors face personal liability if they make errors in handling estate assets, creditor claims, or beneficiary distributions. Professional legal support protects you from these risks while ensuring the estate is settled properly.

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 state intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed. The court appoints an administrator (usually the closest family member) to handle the estate. Assets typically go to the surviving spouse and children first, then to parents, siblings, and other relatives in a specific order set by law. This process often takes longer and costs more than probate with a will because the court has less guidance about the deceased person’s wishes. Family disputes are also more common since the law might not distribute assets the way the deceased would have wanted.

Can probate be avoided in New York?

Yes, probate can be avoided in New York through proper estate planning, though it depends on the types and value of assets involved. Assets that pass directly to beneficiaries—like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and jointly-owned property—don’t go through probate. Trusts can also help assets avoid probate while providing more control over distributions. Small estates valued under $30,000 can use a simplified “small estate administration” process instead of full probate. However, most Long Island estates exceed this threshold due to property values, so advance planning with trusts and beneficiary designations is often the most effective approach.

What are letters testamentary and why do I need them?

Letters testamentary are official court documents that give you legal authority to act as executor of an estate in New York. Without these letters, you cannot access bank accounts, sell property, or handle any estate business on behalf of the deceased. Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions require this documentation before they’ll work with you. Getting letters testamentary requires filing a probate petition, providing proper notice to all interested parties, and satisfying the court that the will is valid and you’re qualified to serve as executor. This process can take weeks to months, which is why starting probate promptly is important for accessing and protecting estate assets.

Local Resources

Great Neck Gardens, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State

Probate Attorney in Great Neck Gardens, NY

Get Your Family's Inheritance Without the Wait