Selling a Deceased Parent’s Home With a Reverse Mortgage in New York — What to Do When the Lender Requests Renunciation Letters
Detailed answer This article explains, under New York law, what to do when you are trying to sell a deceased parent’s home but the reverse mortgage lender keeps asking for “renunciation” letters. It assumes you are not a lawyer and starts from the basics. This is educational information only and not legal advice. For help […]
Read article →How to Start Finding Who Legally Owns Part of Your Grandfather’s Land in New York
First Steps to Determine Legal Ownership of a Portion of Land in New York This guide explains, in plain language, the first step and follow-up actions to identify the legal owner of a portion of land that was part of your grandfather’s property. It assumes no prior legal knowledge. Short answer: Start with the recorded […]
Read article →New York: Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
Detailed Answer Short summary: In New York, whether money or property passes automatically to another person when someone dies without a will depends on how the asset is titled. Assets titled with a clear right of survivorship (for example, a joint account labeled with survivorship language, a payable-on-death account, or property held as tenants by […]
Read article →Reimbursable Estate Property Expenses in New York: What You Can Track and Claim
FAQ: Reimbursable Expenses for Maintaining Estate Property in New York Question: What expenses can I track and get reimbursed for maintaining estate property before it’s sold? Short Answer As the estate’s personal representative (executor or administrator) in New York, you can generally seek reimbursement from the estate for reasonable, necessary expenses paid to preserve and […]
Read article →New York: How to Get Appointed as an Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator
Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, the typical steps someone follows to be appointed by a New York Surrogate's Court as an estate administrator (or as a co-administrator). This is a general guide only; the Surrogate's Court in the county where the decedent lived controls the exact process. This is not legal advice. […]
Read article →Avoiding Probate in New York: Using Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Other Tools
How to transfer assets outside probate under New York law Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed New York attorney to apply these principles to your situation. Detailed answer Short answer: Yes—many assets can pass outside New York probate if you use the right combination of beneficiary designations, joint ownership with […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares in a Parent’s House in New York
Detailed answer: How to buy out your siblings’ shares in a parent’s house under New York law Short answer: First confirm who legally owns the house (sole ownership, joint tenancy, or estate property). If the property passed into the estate or into tenants in common with multiple heirs, you can usually buy your siblings’ shares […]
Read article →New York: Can the Estate Recover Money an Heir Withdraws After a Parent’s Death?
What happens when an heir withdraws funds or uses credit cards after a parent dies — can the estate recover them? Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a New York attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer When someone dies, the ownership and control of the decedent’s […]
Read article →How to Obtain Court Approval to Sell an Inherited Home with Minor Co-Owners in New York
Detailed Answer Short overview: When a home is inherited and at least one co-owner is a minor, a court usually must approve any sale. The exact process depends on how the minor owns the property (through an estate, tenancy in common, joint tenancy, or other vehicle). In New York, approval typically comes through Surrogate's Court […]
Read article →New York: Step-by-Step Guide to Administering Your Mother's Estate
Overview — What this FAQ covers This FAQ explains, under New York law, the practical steps people commonly take to identify, protect, and distribute a deceased parent's assets. It assumes no prior legal knowledge and uses plain language. It does not replace advice from a licensed attorney. Detailed answer — Step‑by‑step process under New York […]
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