Probate & Estate Administration

The loss of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. Unfortunately, families are often required to address important legal and financial matters while they are still grieving. Mavros Panagos Law helps families navigate the probate and estate administration process with experienced legal guidance, personal attention and compassion.

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In New York, the Surrogate's Court handles the probate of wills and the administration of estates. When a person dies with a will, a probate proceeding may be necessary to establish the validity of the will and obtain authority for the executor to administer the estate. When a person dies without a will, an administration proceeding may be necessary to appoint an administrator and distribute the estate in accordance with New York law.

At MPL, we represent executors, administrators, beneficiaries and other interested parties in matters involving the administration of a loved one's estate. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves more complicated assets, family circumstances or other issues, we help our clients understand the process, their responsibilities and what needs to happen next.

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Probate of a Will

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When someone dies leaving a will, the will may need to be admitted to probate before the person named as executor has authority to administer the probate estate. The New York State Unified Court System explains that the Surrogate's Court determines whether the will is valid and, following the required court process, may appoint the executor to act as the legal representative of the estate.  MPL can assist the nominated executor in navigating the probate proceeding and the subsequent administration of the estate.

We understand that many executors have never served in this role before. Our goal is to make the process understandable, guide you through your responsibilities, and help you properly administer the estate from beginning to end.

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When There Is No Will

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The absence of a will does not eliminate the need to administer an estate. When someone dies without a will, known as dying intestate, an administration proceeding may be filed in Surrogate's Court. If appointed, the administrator receives Letters of Administration providing authority to gather and distribute estate property according to law. 

MPL assists families in determining who may seek appointment as administrator and navigating the administration proceeding. We can also help address issues that arise when there are multiple heirs, family members who must be located, renunciations or other circumstances that may complicate the proceeding.

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Guiding Executors and Administrators

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Being named an executor or appointed an administrator carries significant responsibilities. The estate's representative may be responsible for identifying and collecting estate assets, addressing debts and taxes, handling claims against the estate and ultimately distributing the remaining estate property. 

At MPL, we guide fiduciaries throughout the estate administration process. Depending upon the circumstances, our representation may include assistance with:

• Probate and administration proceedings in Surrogate's Court

• Obtaining Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration

• Identifying and collecting estate assets

• Addressing claims and debts of the estate

• Handling estate related real property matters

• Working through issues involving beneficiaries and distributees

• Assisting with distributions of estate assets

• Addressing issues that arise during the administration of the estate

• Guiding the executor or administrator toward completion of the estate

• The particular responsibilities involved will depend upon the estate and its circumstances. 

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Experience With Estate Real Estate

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When an estate includes a home or other real property, administration of the estate may also involve decisions regarding the ownership, transfer or sale of that property.  Since MPL represents clients in both estate administration and real estate transactions, we can assist families when an estate matter also involves the sale or transfer of real property. This allows our clients to receive coordinated legal guidance on related estate and real estate issues without unnecessarily fragmenting the representation.

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Helping Families Through a Difficult Time

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Probate and estate administration are not simply legal proceedings. Behind every estate is a family dealing with the loss of someone important to them.  We understand that our clients may be overwhelmed by unfamiliar paperwork, financial responsibilities, family questions and decisions they never expected to have to make.

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At Mavros Panagos Law, we take the time to explain the process, answer your questions and guide you through each stage of the estate administration. Our goal is to help make a difficult process more manageable while ensuring that the estate is handled carefully and efficiently.

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When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, our role is to help shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on your family.  Whether you have been named as executor under a will, need to administer the estate of someone who died without a will, or have questions concerning your rights in an estate, Mavros Panagos Law is here to help you understand your options and determine the appropriate next steps.

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