Probate Attorneys in New York City

Attorney Albert Goodwin

We are experienced probate attorneys in New York City. We have been helping our clients since 2008. We have extensive experience dealing with all sides of the New York probate process.

Our attorneys have developed a reputation for achieving favorable resolutions for our clients. We handle every aspect of probate litigation, estate disputes and proceedings in Surrogate’s Court with sensitivity and care.

Whether you are an executor requiring guidance, a beneficiary contesting a problematic will or any other probate court involvement, you can rely on our law firm to protect your best interests.

Contact us today to schedule your initial probate consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your probate legal needs. You can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected].

We Handle Every Probate Situation

Our New York probate attorneys have extensive experience representing clients across all stages of estate settlement and probate litigation. We guide and advise executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and heirs through the entire probate process. Our services include:

  • Estate probate

    Probate is the process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This can involve a lot of time-consuming court procedures and navigation of state laws governing inheritance and asset distribution. We are with you through the entire process, from preparing to file to distributing assets. Having an experienced probate attorney assist you through this difficult process is crucial. We ensure every step complies with laws.

  • Will contests

    When the validity of a will is disputed, the process is called a will contest. We represent clients in lawsuits challenging or defending against allegations of fraud, duress, lack of capacity or improper execution.

  • Putting together estate accountings

    We assist executors with required interim and final estate accountings detailing all assets, income, expenditures, distributions, gains/losses since the decedent’s death. Our probate accountants prepare meticulous, court-compliant accountings supported by clear categorization of transactions, precise ledgers, validated receipts and formal submissions per statutory guidelines.

  • Objecting to estate accountings

    For estate beneficiaries and heirs seeking accountability around estate activities, we review presented financial records for any opaque, questionable or suspicious transactions indicative of inaccurate account reporting. Our attorneys can petition the court for formal inquiry, investigation and correction around any accounting inconsistencies or perceived violations we uncover. Contact us to retain experienced probate accountants able to prepare, analyze or contest estate financial filings through knowledgeable inspection and court process navigation.

  • Claims of missing assets

    We investigate claims that certain assets are unaccounted for and represent clients making allegations of improper distribution or theft. Conversely, we defend executors or administrators accused of mishandling estate assets against unjustified claims through legal proof of proper asset administration.

  • Disagreements over who should be in charge

    When the nomination of an executor in a will is challenged, we argue for or against the proposed appointment with evidence regarding qualifications.

  • Disagreements over who are the rightful heirs

    We research and verify familial relationships and interpret legal documents to determine rightful inheritance status when there are disagreements regarding kinship.

  • Complaints about the executor

    If an executor violates their fiduciary duty through negligent administration or intentional malfeasance, we file petitions alleging breach of duty and calling for their replacement with a more reliable personal representative or special administrator.

  • Cousin kinship

    When a person dies in New York without a will and their closest living relatives are cousins, the court will distribute their estate only after a kinship proceeding. We represent cousins in this proceeding.

  • Probate avoidance

    We provide estate planning services focused on probate avoidance when suitable, including living trusts, joint tenancy titling of assets, and non-probate transfer methods. With customized guidance for each client’s family and financial situation, we attempt to minimize probate court proceedings preemptively through legal arrangements made in advance.

With every client, our probate attorneys deliver tailored legal advocacy, estate administration, and litigation services as required per each unique circumstance. You can reach out for a consultation to discuss your probate needs.

Our Qualifications

The Law Offices of Albert Goodwin have been practicing probate law exclusively in New York City since 2008. Our team is extremely knowledgeable about the detailed processes in New York Surrogate’s Courts.

Our lead New York probate lawyer, Albert Goodwin, has personally represented hundreds of clients across complex estate disputes and probate administration cases. Mr. Goodwin and his hand-picked team have become known amongst New York probate judges and administrators for always aggressively protecting the rights of those we have the privilege to represent.

While every client’s circumstances are unique, our firm has extensive experience handling all issues that come up during probate.

Regardless of how simple or complex your probate case may seem, our seasoned probate lawyers in New York have likely assisted people facing very similar scenarios.

Why Choose Us as Your New York Probate Attorneys

With many other probate attorneys practicing in New York City, why should you retain our law firm over the other options available? Our clients have provided some answers over the years:

  • Extensive experience in probate law

    Our Manhattan-based probate law firm has over 14 years of dedicated experience focused exclusively on estate litigation and probate disputes. Unlike general practice firms dabbling in some probate among an array of legal matters, our firm deals strictly with inheritance casework day in and day out. This deep probate focus provides greater court familiarity and legal perspective into the nuances distinguishing different situations that come up.

  • Record of success

    Do not simply take our word advertising top-notch probate representation – our record of favorable case results speaks for itself. We have helped clients secure and defend against sizable financial claims, inherit rightful shares misappropriated through misconduct, and contest or defend wills among other matters. Ask us for examples of our successful case outcomes specific to your type of potential probate dispute. Seeing prior relevant results provides greater confidence in our ability to deliver similarly positive end resolutions.

  • Excellent reputation

    Our lead probate attorney, Albert Goodwin, has earned widespread respect and rapport amongst New York probate judges, court administrators, and mediation experts given his long track record ethically fighting for client interests with discretion. This excellent standing supplements Mr. Goodwin’s aggressive negotiation approach with credibility.

  • In-depth knowledge of probate nuances

    Navigating New York inheritance laws and probate court proceedings carries uniqueness and complexity that general practice lawyers rarely grasp. Our firm leverages in-depth knowledge of local Surrogate’s Court etiquette rules, inheritance precedent set by prior disputes, and New York City-specific estate procedures. This specialized understanding tailored to NY probate courts allows our lawyers to better evaluate case merits, forecast timelines, suggest viable arguments judges relate to, and guide clients in line with local expectations.

  • Customized guidance

    Every client’s family situation, unresolved interpersonal issues, estate asset complexities and inheritance dispute nuances differ requiring individually tailored legal guidance. We take time identifying the specific parties and their relationships, assets involved, existing estate plans and other client-distinct variables essential to inform case strategy. We then develop a custom probate plan mapping suggested arguments, expected counterclaims, ideal negotiating points and appropriately ambitious timelines specific to the dynamics of your matter. This personalized approach positions each case for the highest probability of a favorable outcome.

  • Skilled negotiation

    Estate settlements and probate disputes often engender highly charged emotions between parties that can quickly escalate conflicts when unmanaged. Our probate attorneys leverage meticulous preparation and compassionate client support to mediate asset division and inheritance disagreements between disputing parties. We leverage our h3 grasp of legal technicalities and extensive experience managing family tensions around estates to filter conversations toward a mutually acceptable resolution.

Our Manhattan probate attorneys deliver tenacious representation with sensitivity. Mr. Goodwin has consistently earned praise from clients for explaining complicated legal processes while treating everyone with genuine compassion during such an emotional time – all while achieving optimal case results.

We are located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. You can call our office at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected] to discuss your situation.

Contact us to explore retaining our services for your probate and estate settlement needs. We are located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. We can guide you through the best course of action to protect your interests.

Attorney Albert Goodwin

Law Offices of
Albert Goodwin, PLLC
31 W 34 Str, Suite 7058
New York, NY 10001

Tel. 212-233-1233

[email protected]

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