Manhattan Estate Administration and Litigation Lawyers Protecting Your Family’s Legacy

Whether you are looking for help administering a loved one’s estate or need legal representation for a dispute, our attorneys will provide the trusted guidance and dedicated support you need.

The passing of a loved one is never easy, but it can be incredibly challenging when faced with the uncertainty and stress involved with a complicated probate process. Our goal is to make it as easy for our clients as possible by handling the administration and, if necessary, litigation of the estate so they can properly grieve their loss.

When you need a knowledgeable, experienced estate administration lawyer, you can count on Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices, P.C. We give our clients the compassion, attention, and effective representation they need as they navigate New York’s probate process. Probate and estate administration is about more than money and property; it’s about honoring the wishes of your late loved one and protecting your family’s legacy.

We understand the stakes. If you want an estate administration attorney who will fiercely represent your interests and the interests of your departed family member’s estate, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What are Probate and Administration?

New York probate is the legal process that occurs when a representative is appointed and manages a person’s estate after they pass away. When someone dies with a last will and testament, their estate will go through probate, which includes validating the will and settling the person’s estate.

Administration is the same concept in that it is completed in an effort to manage and settle an estate. The main difference is that administration is done when the person passes away without a will.

Both procedures must go through the New York Surrogate Court. Estate property handled in probate is divided and distributed according to the will. When estates go through administration, the division of property is based on New York laws.

Knowing which process is required for your loved one’s estate can become complicated because the will is not the only factor to consider. You must also know the value of the estate to determine if voluntary administration is an option. Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases in New York, and we can help you decide the best way to move forward with estate administration and probate.

Types of New York Estate Administration & Litigation Cases We Handle

Every family’s probate and estate administration needs are different, which is why working with an experienced attorney is crucial. Our team’s decades of experience and our personalized approach to each case mean each of our clients benefits from a legal strategy built specifically for them.

We handle numerous types of estate litigation and administration cases and fill numerous roles for our clients during these processes, including:

• Acting as executor of an estate

• Performing administration as the estate’s counsel

• Prosecuting and defending family members involved in estate disputes

Probate & Estate Administration

There are many steps involved in the probate or administration of an estate. It is easy for family members to get overwhelmed when trying to manage an estate if they aren’t familiar with the complex process and requirements. That’s where we come in.

We can help you get through this difficult time by:

• Obtaining letters testamentary and applying for probate of the will

• Applying for letters of administration when your loved one died without a will

• Identifying and collecting your deceased family member’s assets, including bank accounts, artwork, and stocks

• Clearing belongings from the home to ready the property for sale or surrender

• Selling assets to pay beneficiaries

• Paying bequests

• Obtaining the court’s approval for personal injury settlements such as car accidents

• Preparing the final accounting and estate tax return

Estate Litigation

Even the most close-knit families can face challenges during estate administration. Emotions run high; grief can cloud judgment. Estate litigation may be necessary when issues arise, and we can help you address disputes and fight for the appropriate outcome.

Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices have prosecuted and defended New York estate litigation clients in disputes involving disinheritance, claims of undue influence, and various other estate disputes.

Effective, Compassionate Representation is Our Priority

There are few things as difficult as losing a family member or loved one. Managing the devastation caused by grief’s diverse range of emotions is made even more challenging when the logistical issues of estate administration are added in. We expect people in these situations to have questions, and we are happy to address any concerns you may have.

How long will probate or administration take? Does my family member’s estate qualify for voluntary administration? What are the costs? Where do I start? What are my rights and responsibilities?

These are all common questions that we can discuss during your free consultation. You don’t need to let uncertainty surrounding New York estate administration complicate your grieving process. Contact us to discuss your options.