Over Two Decades of Probate Law Experience In Brooklyn, New York. Trusted, Compassionate and Effective Probate and Estates Law Firm.
At Michael F. Kanzer & Associates P.C., we are committed to helping our clients navigate the Brooklyn, New York Probate and Administration Process. We recognize that losing a loved one is a traumatic and painful experience, and we try to make the probate process as painless as possible. For many, the passing of a loved one is the first time they will experience dealing with the Courts. lOften people do not know anything about the Surrogate’s Court and need guidance to navigate probating a loved one’s will. Michael F. Kanzer, Esq has been practicing Probate and Estate law for more than 30 years and have helped many New York families navigate the Probate process.
Probate
When an individual pass away in New York City, the individual’s estate enters into a legal process known as Probate. The process where the will is submitted to the Surrogates Court and the Court authenticates the will, is called Probate. If a valid Last Will and Testament has been provided to the court, it will be reviewed, the contents of the Testamentary Will made known, and the Court will provide a specific period of time to allow family members or relevant parties to contest the will. We will prepare waivers and consents of Probate for consenting interested family members to execute so the matter could proceed in any uncontested and swift manner .We assist the fiduciaries of a decedent’s estate through the probate process, appearing in court, guiding them in the transfer of assets and resolution of claims, as well as the implementation of the decedent’s estate plan.
As a law firm providing experienced Probate legal services, assisting Brooklyn and New York area residents with Probate and Estate Planning legal issues, we are committed to protecting the legal rights of each and every client, while always striving to provide the highest standard of legal representation. Contact Michael Kanzer, Attorney at Law by calling 718-769-7200 or by using our online submission form.
We will also analyze your situation and explain the Probate Process including:
- The content, validity, potential disputes, and execution of a decedent’s will
- Claims of debt against the decedent’s estate
- Potential allegations of Undue Influence of the decedent’s will, or claims of entitlement form those who have been left out of the will, or believe the estate is not being distributed fairly
- Estate Administration Issues
- Asset and Property Distribution
- Other relevant estate issues
If debt is owed by the decedent, this may also be the best time to negotiate a reduced and reasonable settlement amount for the debt that is owed, or to formally dispute debt claims against the estate. Many families do not find out that claims of debt against the estate exist until the estate of their loved one enters into probate. While many estates are able to clear the probate process quickly and without significant roadblocks, seeking the professional advice and representation to handle Probate for your loved one’s estate gives you the advantage of effectively addressing any issues you may have to deal with in order to clear the estate through probate.
We also represent individuals in connection with will contests. A will contest is a legal action in Surrogates Court that challenges the validity of a will and/or the terms of the will. A will may be invalid if it was the result of forgery, undue influence, inadequate execution, or other issues. A later will may invalidate an earlier version.
The Probate Process
After each will is drafted, it must pass through the probate process. During this formal process, the will is recognized as a legal document, and the court appoints the executor who will be in charge of your estate after you pass away. By going through this process, your nominated executor will be appointed to distribute your assets as directed in the will.
Because probate laws are complex, it’s best to consult an experienced attorney at one of the leading Brooklyn law firms to see if probate is necessary for your case. Though many states have worked to simplify the probate process, there may still be reasons for you to avoid it by putting your assets into a living trust. However, instead of attempting to avoid the probate process, it might be more beneficial to minimize other issues that could lead to estate litigation, such as claims brought by heirs.
Visit Michael F. Kanzer & Associates, a leading Brooklyn law firm, to learn more about wills and probate, estate litigation, and how to manage your assets. We are always happy to speak with clients regarding their estate. Contact us today to talk to one of our associates and schedule an appointment 718-769-7200.
