Estate Administration — Westchester & Rockland County

Honoring a Legacy
with Care and Precision.

When a loved one passes, handling the legal process should not add to your burden. We guide executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through estate administration with clarity, compassion, and expert legal guidance.

Schedule a Consultation Call (914) 885-1588
Legal Services

Estate Administration
Services

From filing the initial probate petition to distributing assets to beneficiaries, we provide complete estate administration services for families in Westchester and Rockland counties.

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Probate Proceedings

Filing the probate petition with Surrogate’s Court, obtaining Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, and guiding the estate through the court process.

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Executor Representation

We represent executors and administrators throughout the estate process — from marshaling assets to resolving creditor claims and distributing to beneficiaries.

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Real Property in Estates

Handling the transfer, sale, or distribution of real estate held by the estate, including coordination with real estate attorneys and title companies.

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Estate Accounting

Preparation of formal estate accountings to document all income, expenses, and distributions — required for court approval or to satisfy beneficiaries.

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Disputed Estates

Representation in contested probate proceedings, will challenges, fiduciary misconduct claims, and beneficiary disputes.

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Small Estate Proceedings

For estates that qualify, we handle voluntary administration proceedings that avoid full probate — saving time and money for smaller estates.

How We Help

The Estate Administration
Process

Estate administration can feel overwhelming during a difficult time. Here is a general overview of how we guide you through the process step by step.

1

Locate the Will & Initial Assessment

We review the decedent’s will (if any), inventory known assets, and identify immediate issues that require attention — such as securing property or notifying financial institutions.

2

File Probate Petition

We file the probate petition with the appropriate Surrogate’s Court and serve all required parties. The court appoints an executor or administrator.

3

Marshal Estate Assets

Identify, collect, and secure all estate assets — bank accounts, investment accounts, real property, personal property, and business interests.

4

Notify & Pay Creditors

We publish the required legal notices, review creditor claims, and advise on which debts the estate must pay.

5

Estate Tax Analysis

We assess federal and New York State estate tax obligations and coordinate with accountants to ensure all returns are properly filed.

6

Prepare Estate Accounting

A formal accounting documents every dollar received and distributed. We prepare this document accurately to protect the executor from future claims.

7

Distribute to Beneficiaries

Once all debts and taxes are paid, we coordinate the final distribution of assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws.

Common Questions

Estate Administration FAQs

What is probate and is it required?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and administering an estate. Not all assets go through probate — assets with named beneficiaries or joint ownership typically pass outside of probate.
How long does estate administration take?
Simple estates may close in 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes, real estate, or tax issues can take several years. We work efficiently to minimize delays.
What if someone dies without a will?
If there is no will (intestate), assets are distributed according to New York’s intestacy laws. We guide administrators through this process and protect the rights of all heirs.
Can I challenge a will?
Yes, under limited circumstances — such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Will challenges are time-sensitive; contact us promptly if you have concerns.
What are the executor’s responsibilities?
An executor is responsible for locating and securing assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. We guide executors through every step and protect them from personal liability.
Do you serve clients in French or Haitian Creole?
Yes. We serve the Haitian and French-speaking communities with full estate administration services in English, French, and Haitian Creole.

We Are Here During
Difficult Times.

Let us carry the legal burden so your family can focus on what matters. Contact us for a compassionate consultation about estate administration.

Schedule a Consultation
Free · Confidential · Consultation

Your Legal Matter Deserves Personal Attention.

When you reach out to the Maiaklovsky Law Firm, Attorney Maiaklovsky reviews your matter directly. No intake assistant. No runaround. You speak with your attorney.

In person in White Plains or New City — or virtually, wherever you are in New York State.

Schedule a Free Consultation
🔒 Attorney-Client Privilege 🇺🇸 English · 🇫🇷 Français · 🇭🇹 Kreyòl 💻 Virtual Appointments Available
(914) 885-1588 | Info@klovskylaw.com