New York — How to Identify Heirs and Determine Property Ownership After a Relative Dies
Overview If a close relative died and you need to determine who the rightful heirs are and who now owns their real property, start with basic records and the court process. In New York, ownership depends on whether the decedent left a valid will and on how the property was titled. This article explains the […]
Read article →New York: How to Recover Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale
How to Recover Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale in New York Short Answer: If a property in New York is sold at a tax sale for more than the unpaid taxes, interest, penalties, and sale costs, the excess (the "surplus") belongs to the party or parties entitled to it. To recover it you generally […]
Read article →New York — What a Financial Power of Attorney Can Let an Agent Do
How a New York financial power of attorney defines an agent’s authority Quick note: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a New York-licensed attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed answer — what authority can be granted and how it works in New York Under New York law, a financial […]
Read article →How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds in New York
How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds with the Court Clerk in New York Detailed answer — securing settlement proceeds through the court clerk (New York) Short answer: In New York, you typically secure proceeds from a pending wrongful death settlement by obtaining a court order that directs the defendant (or its insurer) to pay […]
Read article →New York — Can Escrow Funds Be Released Before a Deed Is Recorded?
Can escrow or trust funds be released before the deed is recorded in New York? Short answer: Possibly, but it depends on the escrow agreement, the closing conditions, and risk allocation. Under New York law, recording a deed gives future notice to third parties, so releasing funds before the deed is recorded can create significant […]
Read article →What Happens When a Will Is Not Properly Signed — New York Guide
What Happens When a Will Is Not Properly Signed — New York Guide Quick summary: If a will lacks the formal signatures New York law requires, a Surrogate's Court may refuse to admit it to probate. That can cause the estate to be handled as if there were no valid will (intestacy), unless the proponent […]
Read article →Minor settlement hearings in New York: Will you (or your child) need to appear?
Will a New York court usually need to approve a settlement for a minor — and who must appear? Detailed answer (what typically happens in New York) When a legal claim belongs to a person under 18 in New York, most personal-injury and other tort settlements that release the minor’s legal rights require judicial approval […]
Read article →New York: Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Minor Injury Settlement
Detailed Answer — What a guardian ad litem does in a New York minor injury settlement and whether you can serve Short answer: In New York, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed representative whose job is to protect the legal interests of a minor (or other person under a disability) when a claim […]
Read article →How to Arrange a Property Survey for Co-Owned Property in New York
Short answer If you co-own real property in New York and need a survey, the practical steps are: confirm ownership and existing surveys, agree with your co-owner on scope and payment, hire a New York–licensed land surveyor, provide the surveyor with deeds and any title information, permit access for fieldwork, and record or keep the […]
Read article →New York: How a Court Approves a Minor's Personal Injury Settlement
What You Need to Know About Court Approval of a Minor's Personal Injury Settlement in New York This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, the typical steps New York courts follow to review and approve a personal injury settlement for a minor (anyone under 18). The goal is to help you understand the process so […]
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