Nassau County probate lawyer

guiding families through estate administration

What Probate Means In New York

Probate is the court process that validates a will and appoints an executor. In Nassau County, that often means the Surrogate’s Court in Mineola. The Law Offices of Laurence Rogers helps families file the petition, notify heirs, and begin gathering assets. If a living trust was funded during life, some transfers can occur outside court while we still coordinate the right paperwork.

Steps From Petition To Distribution

After appointment, the executor inventories assets, secures accounts and property, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes the remainder under the will. We prepare notices, request records, work with appraisers, and keep a simple timeline so you know what comes next. For estates without a will, we help a relative seek appointment as administrator.

If you want to reduce future court involvement for your own estate, consider proactive estate planning now.

Support For Executors And Families

Acting as an executor is a fiduciary role with real responsibilities. We help you avoid common mistakes, respond to creditor claims, and file the correct papers so you can close the estate. Meetings can be at our Valley Stream office near the LIRR or by phone if travel is difficult after a loss.

For scheduling or quick questions, please contact our office and we will respond promptly.

When Disputes Or Questions Arise

Sometimes a relative raises concerns about capacity, undue influence, or the meaning of a clause. We work to resolve disagreements early, and when needed we coordinate with litigation counsel to protect the estate. The priority is efficiency and preserving assets for the people named in the will.

Property That Skips Probate

Joint accounts with rights of survivorship, retirement accounts and life insurance with named beneficiaries, and assets held in a living trust usually transfer outside court. We confirm titles and beneficiary designations so nothing falls through the cracks.