Estate planning in New York presents many benefits for settling an estate. The foundation for any plan is a Last Will and Testament. This document allows a person to memorialize in writing his intentions and desires regarding the disposition of estate assets. Provisions can be made for bequests of specific property to individuals and various shares of an estate can be allocated among family and friends. In effect, a Will allows for a written enforceable declaration by a testator regarding distribution of assets.
Although a Will needs to be filed with the Surrogate’s Court and be admitted to probate, in most instances the probate process is not complicated by Will contests or other types of estate litigation. The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has published many articles concerning estate planning, probate and estate settlement.
Another important advantage of preparing a Will is the designation of an executor. The Surrogate’s Court routinely accepts a testator’s nomination unless specific wrongdoing or other impropriety is shown by an objectant. A nominated executor can be a family member or a friend or a professional advisor. Generally, only non-resident aliens are excluded.