Fratello Law

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Free Estate Planning Consultation
Free Estate Planning Consultation

Probate Attorney in Hauppauge, NY

Get Your Family Through Probate

Clear guidance through Suffolk County’s probate process when you need it most.

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Call: 631-406-5580

Suffolk County Probate Lawyers

What Happens After We Handle Everything

You’ll have peace of mind knowing every detail is handled correctly. No more wondering if you’re missing critical deadlines or filing the wrong paperwork with Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court.

Your family gets to focus on healing while we manage the legal complexities. We take care of asset distribution, creditor claims, and court filings so you don’t have to navigate this alone.

The probate process moves forward efficiently without the stress of figuring out unfamiliar legal requirements. You’ll understand exactly what’s happening at each step and when to expect completion.

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Hauppauge Estate Administration Attorneys

We Know Suffolk County Probate Inside Out

We have been helping Hauppauge families navigate probate for years. We understand the specific procedures at Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court and the local requirements that can trip up families trying to handle things themselves.

Our team speaks Spanish and Italian, making us accessible to Long Island’s diverse communities. We’ve built lasting relationships with families across generations, often helping children and grandchildren of our original clients.

We’re not just familiar with the paperwork—we understand the emotional weight of losing someone and dealing with legal requirements during grief. That’s why we offer home visits and flexible scheduling to meet you where you are.

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Probate Process Suffolk County

Here's How We Guide You Through

First, we review the will and assess what needs to be filed with Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court. We prepare all necessary documents, including the probate petition and death certificate, and handle the initial court filing.

Next, we manage the legal notifications required by law. This includes serving citations to beneficiaries and distributees, and ensuring creditors receive proper notice. We handle all correspondence with the court and interested parties.

Finally, we oversee asset distribution and estate closure. We review and respond to creditor claims, distribute assets according to the will, and complete all final court filings. The entire process typically takes 7-12 months, and we keep you informed every step of the way.

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Estate Settlement Hauppauge NY

What's Included in Our Probate Services

We handle every aspect of probate administration from start to finish. This includes preparing and filing all court documents, managing creditor claims, overseeing asset appraisals, and ensuring proper distribution to beneficiaries.

Our services extend beyond basic probate. We coordinate with real estate agents when property sales are involved, work with accountants on tax matters, and handle any will contests or family disputes that arise during the process.

In Hauppauge and throughout Suffolk County, we see families dealing with everything from simple estates to complex situations involving multiple properties, business interests, or family conflicts. We’re equipped to handle whatever complications arise, including intestate situations where no will exists.

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How long does probate take in Suffolk County, NY?

Probate in Suffolk County typically takes 7-12 months minimum, though complex estates can take longer. New York law requires a seven-month period for creditors to file claims against the estate, which sets the minimum timeline. The actual duration depends on several factors: whether there’s a valid will, if anyone contests the will, how complex the assets are, and whether all beneficiaries can be easily located. Estates with real estate, business interests, or family disputes generally take longer. We work efficiently to move your case through Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court as quickly as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met. Our familiarity with local procedures helps avoid delays that often occur when families try to handle probate themselves.
While New York doesn’t legally require an attorney for probate, the process is complex enough that most families benefit from professional guidance. Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court has specific procedures and deadlines that can be costly to miss. The court expects you to understand applicable laws, court rules, and established procedures whether you have an attorney or not. Mistakes in probate can result in personal liability for the executor, delayed distributions, or additional court proceedings. Given the stakes involved and the emotional difficulty of handling legal matters while grieving, most families find that working with an experienced probate attorney actually saves time and money in the long run. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your family.
When someone dies without a will in New York, their estate goes through “intestate succession,” where state law determines who inherits. The process is more complex and typically takes longer than probate with a valid will. The court must determine all legal heirs, locate them, and notify them of the proceedings. This often involves additional steps like genealogy research if family members are hard to find. The court then appoints an administrator (similar to an executor) to handle the estate. Assets are distributed according to New York’s intestate succession laws, which prioritize spouses and children, then parents, siblings, and other relatives in a specific order. This may not match what the deceased person would have wanted, which is why having a will is so important.
Probate costs in Suffolk County include court filing fees, attorney fees, and other administrative expenses. Court fees are set by New York State and vary based on the estate’s value, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Attorney fees for probate can be structured as hourly rates or flat fees, depending on the complexity of the estate. Many attorneys charge between $300-$500 per hour, though simple estates might qualify for flat fee arrangements. Additional costs may include appraisal fees for real estate or valuable assets, accountant fees for tax preparation, and publication costs for legal notices. We provide clear fee estimates upfront so you know what to expect, and we work efficiently to keep costs reasonable while ensuring everything is handled properly.
Yes, you can sell property during probate in New York, but it requires court approval and specific procedures. The executor must petition Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court for permission to sell real estate, unless the will specifically grants this authority. The court typically requires an appraisal of the property and may mandate that it be offered for sale at or above the appraised value. There are also specific notice requirements to beneficiaries and sometimes public advertising requirements. We regularly help families navigate property sales during probate, coordinating with real estate agents, handling court filings, and ensuring all legal requirements are met. This is especially common in Long Island where many estates include valuable real estate that needs to be sold to distribute assets among beneficiaries.
To start probate in Suffolk County, you’ll need the original will (if one exists), a certified copy of the death certificate, and a completed probate petition. The petition must list all beneficiaries named in the will and all distributees (legal heirs) who would inherit if there were no will. You’ll also need to prepare citations to be served on all interested parties, giving them notice of the probate proceeding. If you’re seeking appointment as executor, you’ll need to file an oath and designation of clerk for service of process. Additional documents may be required depending on the estate’s complexity, such as asset inventories, bond applications, or waivers from beneficiaries. We handle all document preparation and filing to ensure everything is complete and accurate from the start, preventing delays or complications later in the process.

Local Resources

Hauppauge, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State