Probate in New York | NY Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What Options Exist for a Personal Representative with Limited Funds for Handling Creditor Claims in New York?

Managing Creditor Claims with Limited Funds in a New York Estate Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified New York attorney before taking any action. Detailed Answer 1. Use the Small Estate Procedure If the decedent’s personal property (excluding real estate) totals $50,000 or less, […]

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How to Manage Estate Administration When Assets Are Located in Multiple Counties or Jurisdictions in NY

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about New York estate administration and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a decedent’s assets lie in multiple New York counties or in other states, you must coordinate probate or administration across jurisdictions. Below are key steps under New York law to guide you. 1. Open Primary […]

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What documents are needed to complete a small estate affidavit for estate assets in New York?

Detailed Answer Under New York law, a small estate affidavit streamlines the transfer of personal property when the decedent’s assets total no more than $50,000. Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) §1403 governs this process. To file the affidavit successfully, gather the following documents: 1. Certified Copy of the Death Certificate This provides legal proof of […]

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How to distribute estate assets to heirs using a small estate affidavit process in New York

Detailed Answer In New York, you may use a “small estate affidavit” under SCPA § 1310 to collect personal property when the estate’s assets do not exceed $50,000. This process lets heirs avoid full probate. Follow these steps: 1. Confirm Eligibility Decedent owned only personal property in New York (no real estate). The total value […]

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How to initiate the sale of estate property to satisfy creditor claims in New York

Detailed Answer To initiate the sale of estate property under New York law, a fiduciary (executor or administrator) must follow a court-supervised process outlined in the New York Surrogates Court Procedure Act (SCPA). The process ensures creditors receive payment and protects the fiduciary from personal liability. 1. Probate and Appointment File the decedent’s will (if […]

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What Options Exist for Selling or Auctioning Personal Property to Reimburse Estate Expenses and Equalize Distributions in New York?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on New York law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before taking action. Detailed Answer When someone dies in New York, their personal representative (executor or administrator) must pay estate debts and expenses before distributing assets to heirs. If cash in the estate falls short, […]

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What procedures ensure estate expenses and creditor claims are addressed before distributing assets to heirs in NY?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer In New York, the executor (if there’s a valid will) or administrator (if there’s no will) must follow a clear procedure to ensure estate expenses, taxes, and creditor claims are resolved […]

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How is the fair market value of personal property calculated in a probate case in New York?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In New York probate proceedings, the fair market value (FMV) of personal property reflects the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, both having reasonable knowledge of […]

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How do I determine ownership when my deceased parent is the only name listed on the deed? (NY)

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a parent’s name alone appears on a deed, the property typically passes through their estate rather than by joint tenancy or survivorship. Here’s how to determine current ownership under New York law: Review the existing deed. Visit the […]

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How can an administrator locate and verify potential heirs when only limited information is available? – NY

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under New York law, an estate administrator bears a duty to identify and notify all heirs before distributing assets. When you start with limited information, follow these steps to locate and […]

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