We are a boutique law firm handling estate law in New York City and its suburbs. When you call us at 212-233-1233 during business hours, you are connected directly to the lead attorney, Albert Goodwin. Never to an associate or to an assistant. When you hire our firm, Albert Goodwin handles your case directly, with associates in supporting roles.
We have a track record of outstanding results and excellent reviews.
We practice all three main areas of estate law, which are (1) estate planning, (2) probate and (3) estate litigation. Estate planning means making a will or a trust. Probate means dealing with property of a person who died. And estate litigation encompasses all disagreements involving estates.
We also practice areas of law closely adjacent to estates. These less common practice areas are guardianship of senior adults, partition of real property and appeals from the Surrogate's Court.
Here is a closer look at each of our areas of practice.
Our Practice Areas
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Estate Litigation
When estate disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we provide strong litigation representation to protect your rights and interests. Estate litigation involves complex legal issues and high emotions, requiring attorneys who understand both the technical aspects of estate law and the sensitivity needed when families are in conflict.
Our litigation team has successfully handled estate disputes involving millions of dollars in assets, helping clients achieve favorable outcomes in court when necessary. We handle all types of estate litigation matters:
- Will contests - representing people challenging or defending wills
- Trust contests - fighting disputes over trust validity and management
- Trust litigation - disputes over trust interpretation, management, and distributions
- Contested accountings - challenging or defending financial reports and fee requests
- Undue influence claims - proving improper pressure was used to change estate plans
- Breach of fiduciary duty - holding executors and trustees accountable for misconduct
- Recovery of missing assets - investigating and recovering estate property
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Estate Planning
As estate planning attorneys, we help you protect your assets and make sure your wishes are followed. Estate planning isn't just about writing a will. It's about creating a plan that saves on taxes, avoids delays, and gives clear instructions to your loved ones when they need them most.
Our team works with you to understand your family situation, finances, and goals. We then create solutions that work for your needs today and in the future. Our estate planning services include:
- Creating strong wills that clearly show your wishes and reduce family disputes
- Reducing estate taxes through smart planning and proper setup of assets
- Asset protection strategies to keep your wealth safe from creditors and lawsuits
- Special needs planning to make sure disabled family members get care without losing government benefits
- Medicaid planning to protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits
We also set up powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions, making sure someone you trust can act for you if you become unable to make decisions. Our goal is to give you reassurance knowing your family's future is secure and your wishes will be honored.
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Probate
When someone passes away, their estate often needs to go through probate court. This legal process validates the will, appoints an executor, and oversees the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. Probate can seem overwhelming, but we guide executors and families through each step to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our team has handled hundreds of probate cases, helping executors fulfill their duties properly while protecting beneficiaries' interests. We handle all aspects of uncontested probate administration to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Our probate services include:
- Probate - helping executors through the entire process from start to finish
- Estate administration - managing estate assets, debts, and distributions
- Kinship proceedings - proving family relationships for inheritance purposes
For an executor learning their responsibilities or a beneficiary trying to understand the process, we provide the guidance and legal support needed to navigate probate court requirements successfully. Our goal is to complete the probate process efficiently while ensuring all legal requirements are met.
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Estate Accounting
Estate accounting is a critical aspect of estate administration that requires careful attention to detail and thorough knowledge of legal requirements. Executors and administrators must provide detailed financial reports to the court and beneficiaries, documenting all estate transactions and distributions.
Our accounting services help ensure compliance with court requirements while protecting the interests of both fiduciaries and beneficiaries. We provide comprehensive accounting services including:
- Preparing formal accountings - creating detailed financial reports for court submission
- Reviewing and analyzing accountings - examining financial reports for accuracy and completeness
- Filing accounting objections - challenging questionable transactions and excessive fees
- Beneficiary representation - protecting beneficiary rights in accounting proceedings
For an executor who needs help preparing an accounting or a beneficiary who questions financial reports, we provide the experience needed to ensure accurate, complete, and legally compliant estate accounting that protects everyone's interests.
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Partition Actions
When family members or co-owners cannot agree on what to do with inherited or jointly owned real estate, a partition action may be the only way to resolve the dispute. These cases often arise after a parent passes away and siblings inherit a house together, or when co-owners of property have a falling out.
We handle all aspects of partition matters, including filing and defending partition lawsuits, negotiating buyouts between co-owners, guiding clients through court-ordered referee sales, and recovering contributions made toward taxes, mortgage, and maintenance. Whether you want to force a sale or defend against one, we provide strategic guidance to protect your property interests.
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Appeals
When a Surrogate's Court or trial court decision goes against you in an estate matter, an appeal may be your best option to correct the outcome. Appellate practice requires a different skill set than trial work. It focuses on legal arguments, written briefs, and persuading a panel of judges that the lower court made an error.
We handle appeals in the Appellate Division, representing both appellants seeking to overturn unfavorable decisions and respondents defending favorable rulings. Our appellate work includes brief writing, record preparation, oral argument, and emergency motions such as stays and applications for permission to appeal. Appellate deadlines are strict, so if you received an unfavorable decision, contact us promptly to protect your right to seek review.
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Guardianship
When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions about their health, finances, or living situation, a guardianship proceeding may be necessary to protect them. We represent families seeking to establish guardianship for incapacitated adults, as well as individuals and families defending against guardianship petitions that are excessive or unjustified.
Our work includes preparing guardianship petitions supported by medical evidence and capacity evaluations, representing clients at hearings, advising appointed guardians on their ongoing duties, and counseling families on less restrictive alternatives such as powers of attorney or supported decision-making when appropriate. Whether you need to obtain guardianship or oppose one, we provide compassionate and effective representation.
Why Choose Us as Your Estate Attorneys
With many estate attorneys practicing in New York City, what sets our law firm apart? Here are key reasons to choose our attorneys as your trusted advisors and advocates for estate matters:
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Extensive Experience
Our firm has been practicing estate law since 2008. We closely track updates to state and federal laws impacting estates. We also study recent court decisions shaping the interpretation and application of laws in this field. This depth of experience allows us to provide timely, savvy counsel.
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Proven Record of Success
Our track record of favorable case results speaks for itself. We have secured millions of dollars for clients, protected assets from unjust claims, and successfully contested and defended estates. Please ask us for case examples specific to your situation.
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Command of New York Surrogate's Courts
We use complex knowledge of local Surrogate's Court rules, precedents set by prior estate disputes, and NYC-specific procedures. This allows for better case assessments, forecasting, argument positioning attuned to local judges, and overall guidance consistent with court expectations.
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Compassionate and Customized Guidance
Every client's personal dynamics, interpersonal issues, and asset complexity differ, requiring tailored legal strategies. We invest time upfront identifying variables key to optimal outcomes. Our advice provides a customized plan reflecting the distinct circumstances around each estate.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Estate matters can feel overwhelming. We aim to simplify processes that may seem full of red tape and confusion. With seasoned experience guiding you through will contests, probate filings, property transfers, and estate disputes, we bring order and clarity.
Our record shows we help clients protect inheritances, minimize family tensions, resolve asset distribution, and transfer wealth smoothly between generations. You can rely on us for counsel as compassionate as the task demands during difficult times. Read our client reviews to hear directly from people we have helped.
How a Probate Matter Moves Through Surrogate's Court
Estates follow a set path. Knowing where yours sits on it explains most of what happens next.
- The petition. The will and a petition are filed in the Surrogate's Court of the county where the decedent lived.
- Notice. Citations issue to the distributees, who are entitled to appear and to object.
- Letters. Once the court is satisfied, letters issue and the executor or administrator can finally act on the estate's behalf.
- Marshalling. Accounts are collected, property is secured, and the estate's debts and obligations are identified.
- Accounting. The fiduciary accounts for what came in and what went out, informally among the beneficiaries or formally before the court.
- Distribution. What remains is distributed and the fiduciary is released.
When an Estate Becomes a Dispute
Most estates are administered quietly. These are the situations that bring people to us instead.
- A will signed under pressure, or when capacity was already in doubt
- A fiduciary who will not account for what has been spent
- Assets moved shortly before death, or a joint account nobody knew about
- A later will, or a will that cannot be found
- Co-owners who cannot agree what to do with real property
- A relative who can no longer manage their own affairs
Where We Practice
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Bronx
- Staten Island
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
- Westchester County
