NYC Probate Lawyers

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is not just emotionally challenging, it can also be legally complex. Pierro, Connor & Strauss provides guidance through the probate and estate administration process with the care and knowledge needed to handle even the most intricate situations.

Whether you are dealing with a high-value estate, an outdated will, or complicated family dynamics, our experienced probate lawyers at Pierro, Connor & Strauss are prepared to assist with all facets of the process in New York City.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Probate

Probate is a legal process you may never think about until you suddenly find yourself at the center of it. When a loved one passes away, their estate undergoes a court-supervised process to validate their will, settle any outstanding debts, and distribute assets according to their wishes—or, in the absence of a will, based on New York’s intestacy laws.

While the goal of probate is to provide a clear path for asset distribution, the reality is often much more complex. From legal disputes to intricate financial matters, the probate process can quickly spiral into a lengthy, stressful ordeal. This is where the need for an experienced probate lawyer becomes evident.

NYC Probate Team

Louis W. Pierro

Verley A. Brown

Contact us today for a FREE consultation

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Cinematic Court of Law and Justice Trial: Honorable Male Judge Ruling Out a Decision in a Civil Family Case, Striking Gavel to Close Hearing. Defendant Party is Happy, Successful.

Why Probate Can Get Complicated and Drawn Out

While probate is designed to facilitate a fair and orderly transfer of a loved one’s estate, the process often becomes a hindrance, delaying the closure of estates and placing undue strain on families. Several factors can slow things down, leaving families stuck in the system for months or even years. Here are some common reasons why probate can get drawn out:

Disputes Over the Will and Family Conflicts

Disagreements over the validity of the will, or the way assets should be distributed, are common. Family members, also known as heirs, may challenge the will’s authenticity or claim that it does not reflect the deceased person’s true intentions. In cases where there is no will, New York’s intestacy laws will dictate asset distribution, often leading to family disputes.

Unclear or Ambiguous Instructions

If the will does not clearly state how to divide assets, or if the language is open to interpretation, the court might have to figure out what the deceased person wanted. This can slow things down considerably, especially if there are multiple interpretations of the will’s intentions.

Delays in Locating Assets

If the deceased’s assets were not properly stored or if they did not maintain a proper inventory of items such as financial holdings, properties, or investments, it could create additional hurdles in the probate process. These hidden or forgotten assets can take time to track down, potentially prolonging the probate process until all these assets have been accounted for.

Complex or High-Value Assets

Real estate, investments, businesses—these kinds of assets require careful handling. Appraisals need to be done, taxes need to be paid, and if there is any dispute about how assets should be valued or divided, it can take considerable time to sort out.

Debt and Tax Liabilities

Before assets can be distributed, all debts and taxes must be settled. This can be more complicated than it sounds. If there are lingering debts or complex tax issues, they need to be resolved before anything else can happen, and that can cause serious delays.

How Can I Avoid Probate?

Many families seek to avoid probate due to its time, expense, and potential for disputes. The best way to minimize the chances of probate complications is to plan ahead. By establishing a solid estate plan, you can arrange for many of your assets to be distributed without the need for probate.

Strategies like creating a living trust, joint ownership, or naming beneficiaries for your assets can help bypass probate, allowing your estate to pass directly to your heirs without the need for court involvement.

These methods can spare your family from the headaches and potential legal battles of a drawn-out probate process. If you are unsure how to start, our NYC Estate Planning Attorneys can help you develop a personalized plan tailored to your family’s needs and goals.

Our Services

Estate Administration

From inventorying assets to filing court documents, we handle every administrative task with precision.

Will Validation

Whether defending a valid will or challenging one that seems suspicious, we are experienced advocates in New York’s probate courts.

Resolving Disputes

We prioritize mediation and negotiation but are prepared to litigate when necessary.

Tax and Debt Settlement

We maintain compliance with New York and federal tax laws while negotiating with creditors to reduce estate liabilities.

I recent had to rewrite my will after the passing of my wife. It was a complicated and upsetting process. Lou Pierro and Anthony Khatchoui (along with the rest of his team) were knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. I would absolutely recommend them to others in my situation.

—Richard F.

Meet Our Team

Our team of dedicated probate attorneys brings decades of experience to every case. With a deep understanding of New York’s probate system, we offer personalized, strategic counsel to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Louis W. Pierro, Esq.

Founder of Pierro, Connor & Strauss, Louis W. Pierro is a nationally recognized leader in probate and elder law with over four decades of experience. Known for his compassionate approach and deep expertise, he has guided countless families through complex legal matters involving estates and trusts. Louis has been consistently named to The Best Lawyers in America® for his exceptional contributions to the field.

Verley A. Brown, Esq.

Verley Brown counsels fiduciaries, beneficiaries and distributees in a variety of contested and uncontested proceedings, including probate and administration proceedings, estate and trust accounting proceedings, will and trust construction proceedings, proceedings against fiduciaries, discovery and turnover proceedings, and other trust and estate-related matters.

Why Choose Pierro, Connor & Strauss?

At Pierro, Connor & Strauss, our team brings a combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and compassion to every family we serve.

Over 40 Years of Experience: From managing multi-million-dollar estates to resolving sensitive family disputes, we have seen it all—and we know how to handle the challenges.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with your family, financial advisors, and other professionals to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Commitment to Your Family’s Future: Probate is about more than legal paperwork; it is about preserving legacies and protecting the future.

Contact an NYC Probate Lawyer at Pierro, Connor & Strauss

Whether you are navigating the probate process or looking to create a thoughtful estate plan, it is essential to seek the guidance of an experienced NYC Estate and Trust Administration Lawyer. Call us to schedule a confidential consultation and to learn more about our services.

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Life Happens…..Are You Prepared?

Contact us today for a FREE consultation and we’ll be happy to help take the worry out of tomorrow so you can live today.