Long Island Probate Attorney

Estate Administration and Distribution

Probate is a legal process involving the distribution of an estate after a family member or loved one has passed away. It is a court action that is started with a petition submitted to probate court to initiate probate proceedings, followed by the naming of an estate administrator and the verification of the person's will. Most administrators have been previously named by the deceased in their will. In cases involving the death of a person without a will, the administrator is named by the court. Other probation actions include:

• Identifying and cataloging the deceased's property and assets
• Property appraisal
• Distribution of property and assets to heirs
• Selling of any property as needed or directed according to the will
• Transferring of assets
• Payments to creditors
• Fulfillment of tax obligations

During probate, creditors will be officially notified of the person's death, which gives them an opportunity to submit any unpaid bills for payment by the estate. Probate involves very specific procedures and timelines, and can become extremely complex depending on the size of the estate, if there are any legal challenges to the will, there is no will, or there are a significant amount of assets to distribute. Most wills are drafted with the assistance of an attorney, who may also act as an advisor to the administrator throughout the probate process. If there is no will, the estate will be distributed according to state laws. Retaining the services of a Long Island estate planning lawyer can help ensure the probate process runs smoothly. In most cases, attorney and court fees will be paid by the estate.

Probate Lawyer in Long Island

Blutter & Blutter is a knowledgeable estate planning firm that provides individuals and families with confident and skilled legal representation in estate matters. The firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience assisting clients with diverse estate planning needs in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Kings counties. They offer compassionate and capable assistance with the drafting of a Last Wills and Testament, living wills, health care directives and durable power of attorney. They work one-on-one with clients and are extremely sensitive and understanding of the many decisions that will need to be made regarding end-of-life issues. Attorneys at the firm also provide effective representation when a family member or loved one has passed away without a will. The firm is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, NACBA, New York State Bar Association and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Contact a Long Island probate attorney for compassionate and caring legal assistance with estate and probate matters.