wills, estate administration, probate, & surrogate's court proceedings

Estate administration involves probating the estate, gathering the decedent's assets, calculating and paying estate taxes, paying other related expenses, and distributing the estate's assets. 

Probate can be an important means of ensuring that an estate's assets are correctly distributed to beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors.  However, the probate process can also significantly delay the disbursement of an estate's funds.  It can also deplete the estate's assets, since all legal fees and court costs are paid by the estate.  To eliminate the expenses and delays associated with probate, a competent attorney can be invaluable in planning your estate to avoid the probate courts altogether.

Where you have been excluded from a will, you may have the right to challenge the distribution of an estate's assets.  An experienced attorney can determine whether you have legal grounds to contest a will and represent you throughout all stages of any necessary litigation.

For a bona fide heir or beneficiary, a will contest by another can greatly delay the distribution of an estate's funds.  Will contests can also seriously reduce the amount of the funds to be distributed, as the associated legal costs are generally paid out of the estate.  The likelihood of a future will contest can be reduced dramatically by working with an attorney with whom you feel comfortable to draft a will that reflects your wishes.

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