Skilled Estate Planning Guidance

It is always too easy to put off planning for your estate. The problems estate planning solves are ones no one really wants to think about. But few stop to consider the peace of mind they can enjoy when they know they have done everything they can to ensure that those they care about are taken care of. Further, just organizing the estate for your loved ones can prevent issues such as disputes and leave them with more time to deal with their grief.

Some of the services we offer related to estate planning include:

• Drafting wills – Depending on the scope and complexity of the estate and what your goals are, a will can be a simple, straightforward document or it can be the cornerstone of a much more complicated estate plan that includes other estate-planning devices such as trusts, powers of attorney and living wills.
• Probate of an estate/administration of an estate – When a loved one passes, you may be called upon to help with either the probate or administration of the estate. In both situations you will be asked to take on responsibilities you may not be familiar with. We can help guide you through all aspects of the process from inventorying the estate to paying off creditors and distributing assets.

Whether you are considering drafting a will, setting up a trust or need help with the probate or administration of an estate, we are here to help you.

Making A Difference For Our Clients

At Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, our firm offers experienced counsel that can help you understand through all of your estate planning probate or estate administration issues. You deserve peace of mind on these issues and we can help you with all estate-related issues.

Attorney Anthony Verrelli is a Bronx native who has been working to help people in our community for more than 27 years. He knows the community and how to help those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills And Probate

Below are three of the most common questions our clients ask us about wills and probate in New York.

What happens if I die without a will in New York?

When you die intestate, the assets and property you own will go through a court-administered process called “intestate succession.” Since you passed away without a will, the distribution of your estate will follow New York state’s intestacy laws.

The hierarchy of distribution will depend on your marital status and who your closest living relatives are. However, if you pass away with no spouse, children or living family member, your property will go to the state.

How do courts probate a will in New York?

During the probate process, the court will seek to validate the testator’s will. This includes checking if the testator wrote the document and signed it at the end. It must also contain two valid witness signatures.

If the court determines that the document is authentic and made without coercion, it will issue a “letter of testamentary” to the will’s executor. This notice gives the executor the authority to manage the estate’s affairs and distribute the assets according to the testator’s last wishes.

Does my will expire, and how often should I update it?

No, wills do not have expiration dates. However, the validity of your document may become outdated because of changes in the law or major changes in your life. To ensure that you can keep it authentic, you must regularly review your document with an estate planning lawyer.

Four common reasons people update their will include relocation, changes in their list of assets, changes in their marital status, and changes in their family size or dynamics.

Will And Probate Attorney Serving The Bronx And Throughout New York

When the time comes to draft a will or probate a loved one’s estate, turn to Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for experience you can depend on. To schedule an initial consultation, call 929-523-0869 or contact us online.