Probate and Estate Administration in New York

Clear Guidance Through New York Probate

Resko Law Office PC helps executors and next of kin move through probate and administration in New York City and Westchester. We prepare petitions, file in the correct Surrogate’s Court, coordinate notices and creditor claims, transfer Manhattan co-op shares and Westchester homes, and complete the final accounting. Families from the Upper East Side, Park Slope, and Mount Kisco rely on our responsive updates and practical checklists so each step is understood and finished on time.

When Probate is Required vs. Administration

With a valid will, the court issues Letters Testamentary to the named executor. That person gathers assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes property according to the will. Without a will, a close relative petitions for Letters of Administration, and New York’s priority rules determine who serves. Contested issues can include objections to the will, kinship disputes, or competing petitions. Resko Law Office PC addresses each concern quickly so momentum is not lost. When an estate includes a condo, co-op, or house, we coordinate filings and deed work with real estate law to keep transfers clean.

Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Wills and New York Assets

If a nonresident owned New York real property or held local assets, the estate may need ancillary probate. We obtain certified copies from the domiciliary court, open the New York case, clear title issues, and coordinate a sale or transfer. This is common when a Florida or New Jersey estate includes a Manhattan condo or a Westchester residence. Resko Law Office PC keeps banks, brokers, and title companies aligned so timelines stay realistic.

Step by Step: From Petition to Distribution

Initial Filing in the Proper Surrogate’s Court - We identify the correct venue based on domicile and prepare the petition, supporting documents, and death certificate copies.

Notices, Consents, and Creditor Claims - We notify required parties, obtain waivers or consents, and resolve creditor claims and tax filings.

Collecting and Valuing Assets - We marshal bank and brokerage accounts, co-op shares, condo interests, life insurance, retirement accounts, and business interests.

Accounting and Closing the Estate - We prepare an informal or judicial accounting, secure receipts and releases, and distribute remaining funds and property.

Timelines, Costs, and Common Delays

Typical New York matters can take several months, and contested issues or missing records can add time. Delays often arise from heir searches, real property complications, and out-of-state paperwork. Early legal help shortens the path by organizing documents, setting expectations, and clearing obstacles before they stall progress. If a dispute develops, our real estate litigation page explains how contract and title issues are handled when a sale or transfer is in question.

How We Help Executors and Administrators

Document Checklist and Court Coordination - We deliver a tailored checklist, draft petitions, e-file where available, and appear as needed so deadlines are met.

Real Estate, Co-Ops, and Business Interests - We handle contract and closing support for estate-owned property, manage co-op transfer packages in Manhattan neighborhoods like Tribeca and Midtown East, and coordinate business interest transfers.

Practical Communication and Next Steps - Expect direct access to counsel, prompt email and phone updates, and clear instructions for each stage. When planning for the future, families often review wills & trusts to align beneficiary forms and titles after the estate closes.

Start Your Probate or Administration

Executors, administrators, and families can begin with a short call or by sending documents through our secure intake. Resko Law Office PC will review the situation and map out a clear path to closing.