Best Probate Lawyers in Brooklyn

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brooklyn, New York?

  To contact the New York City Police Department for non-emergency concerns, please dial 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brooklyn, New York?

  You can get a copy of your police report by submitting a request either online or by mail to the NYPD Criminal Records Unit at 375 Pearl Street, Suite 4, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10038. The request form can be downloaded online or picked up from any police precinct. Please include two copies of the completed form and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you're mailing your request.

• What are the main responsibilities of an estate executor in Brooklyn?

  An executor holds a vital role in managing the deceased's estate post-death. The tasks include identifying and appraising all assets of the departed. Furthermore, they are responsible for clearing any outstanding debts and taxes from the estate. They must inform all individuals listed as beneficiaries in the will. In Brooklyn, failing to do so can lead to legal disputes.

• Why do people avoid probate in Brooklyn, and what are their options for doing so?

  Probate in Brooklyn can extend over several months; in complex situations, it can even span years. This lengthy duration can escalate legal and accounting expenses. Furthermore, probate cases often publicize sensitive financial and personal data, which many wish to avoid. Seeking expert legal advice to utilize trusts and other estate planning tools can be an efficient strategy. A skilled attorney can help create documents like the durable power of attorney, wills, and trusts to circumvent the intricate probate procedure.

• What is the initial procedure for starting probate in Brooklyn?

  After the demise of a Brooklyn resident, the probate process commences with preparing a probate petition. This request is presented to the court to recognize the deceased's final will, assign an estate executor, and acknowledge the will. This documentation should contain the original and copied will, a certified death certificate, and information about all distributees. The assistance of an experienced local estate lawyer is typically required for this process.

• What should distributees in Brooklyn know when disputes over a will in the probate process arise?

  In Brooklyn, when there's a conflict regarding a will in the probate process, each distributee must be notified of their right to contest the will. If they opt to challenge the will, they will receive a citation, allowing them to state their case at the Brooklyn Surrogate's Court. They may also hire their own probate attorney to represent them in court. A will contestation can significantly delay the probate process.

• What happens when heirs cannot be located during a petition filed with a surrogate in Brooklyn?

  When heirs cannot be located during a petition filed with a surrogate in Brooklyn, the court mandates the petitioner to conduct diligent efforts to find them. If some heirs' whereabouts remain unknown, the surrogate typically appoints a Guardian ad Litem. Acting on behalf of the missing heirs, the Guardian ad Litem assumes the responsibility of safeguarding their interests, ensuring their rights are adequately protected throughout the legal process.