Estate Attorneys in New York City

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

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 peace of mind knowing your family's future is secure and your wishes will be honored.

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

Whether you're an executor learning your responsibilities or a beneficiary wanting 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.

Estate Accounting

Estate accounting is a critical aspect of estate administration that requires meticulous 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

Whether you're an executor who needs help preparing an accounting or a beneficiary who questions financial reports, we provide the expertise needed to ensure accurate, complete, and legally compliant estate accounting that protects everyone's interests.

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.

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.

Command of New York Surrogate's Courts

We leverage intricate 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 aligned with court expectations.

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 roadmap reflecting the distinct circumstances around each estate.