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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Schenectady

Our Recommended Top 17

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Schenectady Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

30

Reviewed

24

Curated

17

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
500 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Towne Law Firm, P.C. Attorneys at Law is a multi-practice law firm established in 2009. It assists Schenectady clients throughout the probate proceedings. The firm creates estate plans, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, trusts, and wills. One of its lawyers, Richard E. Rowlands, has litigated cases involving abuse of powers of attorney, contested accounting and wills, and executor and trustee removal. Rowlands is a frequent speaker on estate planning topics and a contributing editor of the book, “Drafting New York Wills.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (18)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1 Marcus Boulevard Suite 200, Albany, NY 12205
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Serving the community of Schenectady, Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC, has been providing representation in both contested and uncontested probate matters. It assists in filing probate and administration petitions, gathering assets of the estate, serving citations or obtaining waivers, and distributing funds to beneficiaries. The firm's other practice areas include divorce, adoption, surrogacy, guardianship, and assisted reproduction technology. Copps DiPaola Silverman's founding attorney, Anne Reynolds Copps, serves as the chair of the Real Property Section of the New York State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kathleen Dipaola - Partner14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (70)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (31)
Yelp
2.7 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
685 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Romanucci Law Firm, PC, caters to the legal needs of people residing in Schenectady and nearby areas. The firm offers clients legal services and counsel for cases involving estate planning and asset protection. Its services also include handling matters relating to neglect and child abuse, military family issues, state child protection, and enforcement of decrees. Demostene Romanucci, the firm's founder, is a certified special topics instructor in New York on legal issues and limitations on the use of force. He speaks English and German.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Website
198 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Vella, Carbone & Associates, LLP, is a private multi-practice firm that assists the residents of Schenectady. Its attorneys have more than 85 years of combined legal experience guiding executors through probate proceedings. It also provides estate litigation services for contested wills, trust disputes, estate accounting disputes, and breaches of fiduciary duty. In addition, the firm offers estate planning services. Founding partner Margaret A. Vella is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern New York.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2 Hemphill Place, Suite 153, Malta, NY 12020
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Cutler & Cutler Law, PLLC, delivers probate law solutions to clients in Schenectady. The firm tackles the courtroom validation of last wills and testaments and the execution of a testator's instructions. It works on resolving issues surrounding the appraisal and inventory of inheritable properties. The office also handles concerns connected to beneficiaries' claims over a decedent's life insurance policies. Counsel Debbie A. Cutler, who has been practicing law for more than 32 years, concentrates on elder planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Debbie Cutler - Partner36 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (16)

Website
125 Wolf Road Suite 503-3, Albany, NY 12205
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

William C Deveneau Attorney at Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and non-profits in and around Schenectady. As a boutique firm, it offers clients the advantage of focus by working on limited practices. Among its services are estate planning, probate and estate administration, and trust litigation. It also handles elder law and special needs planning matters. Other services include tax planning and preparation, forming non-profits, requesting tax exemption, business formation, and business purchases and sales. Deveneau is licensed to practice in Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
20 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC, Attorneys at Law, is a general practice firm that provides legal solutions for clients in Schenectady and the neighboring areas. It takes on probate cases and assists individuals and families in developing and executing wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies or living wills. Its lawyers also offer litigation and mediation services, covering a variety of practice areas, including personal injury, real estate, education, and employment law. The law firm has been in operation for more than 25 years. 

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (24)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
461 Clinton Street Extension, Schenectady, NY 12305
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Probate Administration

Why choose this provider?

DeAngelus Goralczyk, PLLC, provides a full range of estate planning and administration services in Schenectady and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2019, the firm provides legal assistance in the areas of asset preservation, end-of-life directives, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and probate avoidance. It also offers legal advice to heirs and trustees to ensure assets are distributed according to the decedent's wishes. Partner Karen L. DeAngelus holds a Certificate in Dispute Resolution and has been practicing law for over 19 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Karen Deangelus - Partner and Founding Member24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Rosenstein Chicatelli, PLLC, is a real estate, elder law, and estate planning law firm serving clients in Schenectady. Representing executors and beneficiaries in probate matters, it examines the decedent's will to confirm its authenticity in court. It also petitions for the appointment of executors for decedents without wills. The firm oversees all administrative tasks for the probate process, from compiling assets to distributing the assets among the named heirs. Its partner, Charles Rosenstein, is also the examining counsel for the firm's affiliate, Chicago Title Insurance Company.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 5 (28)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
930 Albany Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Wertime, Ries & Van Ullen, P.C., offers estate administration services for clients in Schenectady. These include voluntary administrations, probate and non-probate administrations through surrogate's court, and fiduciary income tax returns. The firm also handles matters involving real estate law, elder law, Medicaid planning and applications, and business and corporation formation. Senior shareholder attorney Charles B. Ries served as a City Court Judge for the City of Cohoes from 1975 to 1978. He is also a former instructor in Business Law at Siena College.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (56)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Louis W. Chicatelli, Jr., provides legal solutions for probate issues of individuals and families in Schenectady. It guides executors and administrators throughout the estate administration. The law practice also assists in creating a strategy to satisfy clients' particular requirements, goals, and values through estate planning. In addition, it advises on business law matters, including subchapter C or S corporation formation and stock and asset purchases. The office has been offering legal services for the last 15 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
805 Route 146, Northway 9 Plaza, Clifton Park, NY 12065
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Ianniello Anderson, P.C., has been protecting the rights, properties, and assets of clients in Schenectady and the surrounding areas since 1971. It provides a broad range of estate planning services, from drafting wills and trusts to assisting clients with wealth planning. The firm utilizes estate planning tools such as Family Limited Partnerships, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, and Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts. In addition, the law practice handles ancillary probate cases for non-domiciliary decedents with properties in other states.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
157 Barrett Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kathleen M. Toombs has been serving clients in Schenectady for more than 18 years. It helps the elderly and their families in distributing their assets to beneficiaries without going through probate. Kathleen M. Toombs, the firm's founding attorney, assists clients in navigating and overcoming the challenging legal aspects of aging through compassion-based counsel and representation. The firm also represents clients in several other practice areas, including bankruptcy law and real estate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kathleen Toombs - Principal25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (11)
Avvo
4.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
150 State Street, Suite 504, Albany, NY 12207
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Wagoner Firm renders legal assistance for individuals in the Schenectady metro who are looking for guidance on aspects of estate planning, such as probate. It was founded in 2014. The firm's team of attorneys is versed in giving advice on matters concerning wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. The team also aids clients in managing debt, gathering estate assets, and developing business succession plans. Additionally, The Wagoner Firm represents business owners in commercial litigations.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (64)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (40)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
255 Washington Ave Ext #104, Albany, NY 12205
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Burke and Casserly, P.C. Attorneys at Law attends to the needs of its clients in Schenectady and its surrounding areas. The firm provides legal assistance and representation for clients with estate, retirement, and special planning concerns. It also handles cases relating to elder law. Its legal team handles probate and estate planning matters, including last will and testament, estate administration, estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. One of its founding attorneys, Timothy E. Casserly, is a Certified Financial Planner.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Google
3.8 / 5 (4)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
10 Utica Avenue, Latham, NY 12110
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Meier Law Firm, PLLC are probate attorneys in Schenectady and adjacent areas. The three-woman team of lawyers prioritizes discrete and personalized legal advice that can help families manage a loved one's death. The firm offers services concerning estate planning such as health care proxies, trusts, living wills, guardianships, and more. Clients can also seek advice from Meier Law Firm, PLLC in other areas such as estate administration, elder law, corporate law, and real estate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Christina Meier - Founder19 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (37)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1473 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, NY 12305
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C. is a women-owned and operated law firm assisting individuals, families, and businesses in Schenectady. It provides legal representation for fiduciaries and beneficiaries in trust and estate administration processes. The procedures include the appointment of a fiduciary, collection of assets, and preparation of fiduciary and estate tax filings. Its team also guides clients through estate planning which can include wills, trusts for tax planning, and gift and estate tax analysis. The firm also handles cases involving real estate and elder law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicole Clouthier - Partner16 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.3 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    518-630-0911 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Schenectady.

  • In Schenectady, which court should you go to for a probate claim?

    The probate claim will be heard at the county court where the decedent resided when they died. Probate hearings in Schenectady take place in the surrogate's court, housed in the Schenectady County Judicial Building at 612 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. The court will handle legal proceedings involving wills and the distribution of estates.

  • What documents must you prepare for probate in Schenectady?

    The documents that must be prepared for probate in Schenectady, including the original will, a certified copy of the death certificate, the funeral bill and receipt, a petition for either letters testamentary or letters of administration outlining information on the deceased person's heirs, assets, and prospective debts, and the affidavits of heirship. All filed documents will be presented to the surrogate's court after the relevant parties have signed.

  • What is the role of the executor in a probate process in Schenectady?

    The deceased names an executor to carry out their final wishes through Schenectady probate. Executor duties include:

    • Filing a court petition to initiate the probate process;
    • Submitting an inventory of the decedent's property within nine months after the petition's approval;
    • Gathering the properties and establishing an exclusive estate bank account for the finances;
    • Assembling the accounting of the processes done to the assets to show the beneficiaries;
    • Distributing assets to the beneficiaries listed in the will;
    • Obtaining a release from the recipients verifying that they have received their inheritance.
  • How does the probate court in Schenectady deal with cases if the decedent died without a will?

    When the decedent dies without a will in Schenectady, their assets are distributed to their next of kin following the state's probate laws. The first $50,000 plus half of the remainder will go to the spouse, while the remaining assets will be divided equally among the children. If the decedent has no children, the spouse acquires the inheritance. Likewise, if there is no spouse, the children will inherit. If one of the children predeceases the decedent, their offspring will receive instead. The inheritance will be given to the decedent's parents or siblings if there is no spouse, children, or grandchildren.

  • How much will you spend in probate in Schenectady?

    Probate costs in Schenectady vary, but you can expect to pay the following:

    • Attorneys fees;
    • Executor compensation commission, ranging from 5% on the first $100,000 in the estate to 2% on the amount above $5,000,000;
    • Executor or administrator bonds;
    • Federal and state estate taxes;
    • Court and filing fees range from $100 to $1,200;
    • Certificate fees, which can cost from $5 to $20 per copy;
    • Appraisal expenses.

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