A New York Estate is subject to potential estate tax under both Federal and State law. Whether an estate is potentially taxable and requires the filing of an Estate Tax Return depends primarily upon the value of a decedent’s gross estate. In general the gross estate is comprised of all…
New York Estate Planning can involve many different aspects. In most instances, individuals assume that the need to consult an estate planning attorney only arises when a person has significant assets that may result in the imposition of Federal estate taxes or state estate taxes. In fact, even when there…
When a person dies without a Last Will he is considered to have died intestate. Queens estate attorneys, like those in other counties, are familiar with the procedure to have an Administrator appointed to settle the estate. The Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) and the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law…
A common issue that is found in many contested Guardianship cases and Estate matters is whether a person’s beneficiary designations or asset plan has been the subject of undue influence. New York City Estate Lawyers, like those throughout the state, are accustomed to having clients claim that the only…
The New York Probate Lawyer Blog contains numerous posts regarding Article 81 Guardianship proceedings. These cases are started when a person files a petition with the Court alleging that an individual is incapacitated and needs the appointment of a Guardian to assist with the individual’s affairs. Typically, the petition seeks…
Estates and Trusts are administered by fiduciaries. The Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) section 103 (21) identifies persons that are fiduciaries and includes such office holders as Executors, Administrators and Trustees. Such persons are obligated to act in accordance with duties and responsibilities as set out in the New York…
Litigation concerning estate matters has been discussed in many posts in the New York Probate Lawyer Blog. The variety of Surrogate’s Court disputes sometimes appears endless. These matters include contested probate proceedings, as well as proceedings to discover and recover a decedent’s property from third parties who have wrongfully taken…
The New York Probate Lawyer Blog has discussed in numerous posts the benefits of estate planning and preparing planning documents. These papers include a Last Will and Testament. When preparing a Will the creator should express his intentions to his New York estate lawyer so that the document reflects…
The settlement of an estate in New York involves the preparation of an account by the fiduciary. Executors and Administrators need to assemble an account that provides information regarding the transactions that occurred during the administration of the estate. New York estate lawyers are familiar with the provisions of the…
The settlement of a New York estate can be divided into three main parts. The estate can begin with proceedings to probate a Will and appoint an Executor. If there is no Will and the decedent died intestate, then a petition can be filed to appoint an Administrator. Once the…