How to Settle a Parent's Estate in New York and Handle Property in Another State
Settling a Parent’s Estate in New York and Handling Property Located in Another State Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Consult a licensed attorney in New York and in the other state involved before taking action. Detailed Answer When a New York resident dies, you will […]
Read article →New York — Steps to File and Record a Deed After a Spouse’s Death
Detailed Answer: How to transfer real property to your child after your wife’s death under New York law Short answer: The exact steps depend on how title was held before your wife’s death. If the house was held as joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety, ownership often passes automatically to the surviving owner and […]
Read article →New York: Do You Need a Transfer-on-Death Deed or Payable-on-Death Designation If Your Will Leaves Everything to Your Daughter?
Will vs. beneficiary designations in New York: how assets actually pass at death Short answer Yes — a will alone does not always accomplish an automatic, immediate transfer of all assets to your daughter. In New York, some assets pass under beneficiary or account-title designations (payable-on-death (POD), transfer-on-death (TOD) registrations, retirement beneficiary forms, life insurance, […]
Read article →How to Transfer a Parent's House to Children in New York When There Is No Will
Detailed Answer Quick overview: If your parent died in New York without a will (intestate), the process to put the house into you and your siblings’ names depends on how the house was owned (sole ownership, joint tenancy, trust, mortgage, or a transfer-on-death instrument). In most cases where the decedent owned the house in their […]
Read article →Taking over a deceased parent’s mortgage in New York: what to do and next steps
How to take over a deceased parent’s mortgage in New York — a clear step-by-step FAQ-style guide This article explains, in plain language, what typically must happen to take responsibility for a mortgage after a homeowner dies in New York. It uses general, hypothetical facts and practical steps. This is educational material only and not […]
Read article →Proving Paternity for Inheritance in New York
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For guidance about your specific situation, consult a licensed New York attorney. Detailed Answer — How to prove you are your father’s child for inheritance in New York when his name isn’t on your birth certificate When a person dies without leaving a will, New […]
Read article →Protecting Your Inheritance in New York When a Family Member Contests an Estate
Quick answer If someone in New York is contesting the estate that names you as a beneficiary, act quickly. Protecting your inheritance typically means gathering proof that the will (or other instrument) is valid, preserving evidence, joining or defending the Surrogate's Court proceeding, and exploring non‑litigation options such as mediation or settlement. You can also […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Administrator of an Intestate Estate in New York
Detailed Answer Short summary: In New York, appointment of an administrator for an intestate estate (a person who died without a valid will) is handled by the Surrogate's Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled. A qualified person (usually a close relative) files an application (petition) asking the court for letters of administration. […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in New York: Required Notices and Practical Steps
Detailed answer — Notifying heirs and interested persons when opening probate in New York This summary explains, in plain language, what notices you generally must give when you start a probate (presentation of a will or petition for administration) in New York. It focuses on the common notice types, who typically must receive them, how […]
Read article →Finalizing Probate and Selling Property in New York When the Will Is Outdated
FAQ: Finalizing Probate When the Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Property in New York Short answer: In New York you must open probate (or obtain letters of administration if there is no effective executor) through the Surrogate's Court, secure the executor’s or administrator’s letters that prove your authority, and—if necessary—get a court […]
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