New York Probate Lawyer Blog
The estate planning process as well as estate settlement almost always requires a close relationship between a New York Estate Lawyer and a client. When a client is planning an estate and seeking advice regarding the disposition of assets and the naming of beneficiaries, there must be a personal discourse with the attorney advisor. Depending upon each particular circumstance, a testator’s confidential information regarding such matters as divorces, non-marital children and sensitive business issues can be essential to developing an effective estate plan. Typically, the estate planning attorney will inquire of the client as to all information regarding assets and family life and history so that the provisions of documents such as a Last Will or Trust accurately take into consideration the possible effect of the testator’s family circumstances. For example, if the testator was adopted at an early age and has no information regarding his next of kin, an attorney may suggest the use of a Living Trust as a Will substitute. This trust could avoid the need to search for next of kin and to provide such potential heirs with notice of a Surrogate’s Court probate proceeding which would be required if the testator disposed of his estate through a Last Will.
Estate settlement and administration also requires a good working relationship between the fiduciary and the attorney. An Executor, Administrator and Trustee face many issues dealing with asset collection, payment of debts and claims and various tax matters. In some instances, the interests of the fiduciary and the beneficiaries themselves may be at odds or in conflict. Particularly in family situations, the fiduciary may be knowledgeable about and have relationships with family members that can assist legal counsel in resolving disputes without Court intervention. While legal guidance is essential, it is always best if interested parties can resolve differences amicably. In order for an attorney and fiduciary to achieve such results, they must work closely together.
An interesting aspect of the relationship between an estate attorney and a client relates to the well-recognized attorney-client privilege. When a person dies, the attorney-client privilege between the decedent and his life-time attorney generally continues. Thus, an attorney is prohibited from disclosing communications between the attorney and client even after the client dies. However, in New York Civil Practice Law (CPLR) Section 4503(b), the statute creates an exception which provides that “in any action involving the probate, validity or construction of a will, an attorney or his employee shall be required to disclose information as to the preparation, execution or revocation of any will or other relevant instrument, but shall not be allowed to disclose any communication privileged under subdivisions (a) which would tend to disgrace the memory of the decedent“. Therefore, confidential communications can be disclosed when there is a Will Contest.
It is also interesting to note that the Courts have ruled that a fiduciary who represents an estate can waive the decedent’s attorney-client privilege for the estate’s benefit. Moreover, as provided of CPLR 4503(a)(2) communications between an attorney and a personal representative, such as an Executor and Administrator, are generally privileged.
New York Estate Planning and Estate Administration typically require close and confidential communication between an attorney and a client. While it may seem obvious, creating and continuing a strong and trusting relationship between legal counsel and a client is more likely to produce a positive outcome whether in the creation of an estate plan or the settlement of an estate.
New York City Trusts and Estates Lawyer Jules Martin Haas, Esq. has been representing clients in Probate and Estate Administration proceedings throughout the past 30 years. He is available to help residents in many areas, including Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. If you or someone you know has any questions regarding these matters, please contact me at (212) 355-2575 for an initial consultation or e-mail me at jules.haas@verizon.net.
Jules Martin Haas provides his clients and members of the community with a free monthly e-newsletter which contains articles covering a variety of legal topics including estate planning, financial matters and real estate. If you wish to be placed on the e-newslist, simply e-mail me at jules.haas@verizon.net. You can cancel receiving the newsletter at anytime.