The initial inquiry when a person dies is whether or not the decedent has a Last Will and Testament. Where a Will exists, a probate proceeding is commenced in the Surrogate’s Court. Assuming the Will is admitted to probate, the terms of the document control the appointment of an executor…
The probate of a Last Will and Testament is essentially the procedure by which a Will is validated by the Surrogate’s Court. The New York trust and estate laws contain many provisions which are intended to protect the sanctity of a Will and insure that the intentions of a decedent…
One of the primary assets which may be owned by a trust or estate is real estate. This asset may be in the form of residential real property or commercial property. Also, other types of similar assets should be included in the discussion. A condominium unit is real property but…
There are many different types of trusts. A trust may be created as part of the terms of a Last Will and Testament. Such a trust is known as a testamentary trust. In these cases, the testator incorporates the trust terms into the dispositive provision in a Will. For example,…
The probate process in New York can appear daunting to persons unfamiliar with the statutes and procedures relating to such matters. In cases where a person dies and leaves a Last Will and Testament, the Will must be filed with the Surrogate’s Court in order to obtain the Court’s approval…
The probate of a Last Will and Testament validates the provisions contained in the Will. The various Will directions can take many forms. There can be dispositions of specific dollar amounts to beneficiaries, as well as dispositions based upon a stated percentage or share of the estate or of all…
When a person dies, one of the initial issues is whether the individual had a Last Will and Testament. This determination is important because the existence of a Will provides the roadmap for the administration and distribution of a decedent’s estate. In cases where there is no Will, a person…
The preparation and execution of estate planning documents typically occurs in the State where a person maintains their primary home. Such location is referred to as a person’s domicile. Domicile is distinguishable from mere residence. Someone can have multiple residences, but can have only one domicile. Estate planning papers can…
Probating a Last Will and Testament in New York requires that the Court be satisfied that the Will complies with all the statutory and Court-mandated requirements. The primary source of reference is Estates, Powers and Trusts Law Section 3-2.1 entitled “Execution and attestation of wills; formal requirements.” This statute sets…
When a person dies and leaves a Last Will and Testament, the next step is to commence a proceeding to probate the Will. The probate process can be very complicated. In the first instance, it is important to locate the original of the Last Will and Testament. When the original…