Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer at Lewis & Hand, LLP
a Brooklyn, New York, Law Firm

Brooklyn probate and administration attorney Apryl Hand at the law firm of Lewis & Hand, LLP helps ensure the most swift, smooth asset transfer possible for clients who have recently lost a loved one. In such distressing times, court proceedings are the last things you want to worry about. We handle all facets of estate administration and probate proceedings, settling the obligations and distributing assets to the beneficiaries.

Contact Lewis & Hand, LLP today for your initial consultation. Listed below are some frequently asked questions about probate administration and the surrogates court:

What’s going to happen?
First, someone must be appointed as the estate's "executor" (if there is a will), or "administrator" (if there is no will). The probate or administration proceeding is usually initiated by the executor or a beneficiary of the estate, although it can be initiated by any interested party.

What does it mean to be an executor or administrator of the estate?
The executor or administrator of the estate has a very serious fiduciary responsibility which involves supervising all distributions, including making sure all last wishes are met, all liabilities are paid off, all beneficiaries receive their fair share of the estate, and all personal property is properly distributed.

The executor or administrator is not personally responsible for the debts of the deceased, but they must ensure that those debts are paid off with whatever assets are in the estate. Because the task is both crucial and complex, executors often rely heavily on a skilled attorney's advice.

What’s the difference between a probate and an administration proceeding?
Probate involves presenting the will of the deceased to the Surrogates Court, and having the court enforce that will. Administration proceedings only take place in cases where there is no will (intestate). New York State guidelines regarding inheritance are then used in lieu of the will. Both are done before the Surrogates Court in the county in which the person died, or in which that person had property.

For more information, or to ensure as smooth a transfer of assets as possible, contact Lewis & Hand, LLP today.

Lewis & Hand
Attorneys at Law, LLP
45 Main Street, Suite 818
Brooklyn, NY 11201-8200

Phone: (718) 243-9323
Fax: (718) 243-9326

Probate and estate administration services are available for clients throughout the New York metropolitan area, including New York City, Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York.

Nassau County, Kings County, New York County, Westchester County, Rockland County