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Category: Probate and Estates

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What Do I Need to Know About Medical Aid in Dying in New York?

New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly announced her intent to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would allow certain terminally ill adults, under narrowly defined circumstances, to request and self-administer prescribed medication to bring about a peaceful death.

January 27, 2026
Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court Update

As of Monday, May 18, 2020, any uncontested probate, administration and small estate matter involving an individual who passed away due to COVID-19 related causes is deemed an essential matter.

May 21, 2020
Duties of an Estate Fiduciary

The executor is a fiduciary of the estate and must administer the estate in accordance with the decedent’s wishes as stated in the will. Generally, the duties of an executor are as follows:

May 9, 2020
Transfer of a Motor Vehicle to the Surviving Spouse

Question: My husband passed away a couple of months ago. All of our assets were held jointly except for one of our cars, which was held in his sole name. The car is worth about $20,000.00. What do I need to do to transfer the car into my name? Do I need to go to Court?

May 6, 2020
Credit Card Debts of a Decedent

An executor is responsible for paying all outstanding the debts from the assets of the estate. The executor is not personally liable for the debts and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits collection attempts against a surviving relative or beneficiary.

April 29, 2020
What Tax Returns Should Be Filed When a Person Dies?

The Executor or Administrator of an Estate may be required to file three separate returns: an individual tax return for the decedent, estate income tax return and estate tax return.

April 7, 2020
Appointment of an Administrator

When a person does their estate planning, he or she will typically prepare a Last Will and Testament. A Will contains a provision that nominates an Executor.

April 6, 2020
Compensation of an Executor

Question: My aunt has nominated me as the Executor of her estate. Someone told me that I am entitled to payment for serving as Executor, is that true?

February 24, 2020
Estate and Gift Tax Update for 2020

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) increased the federal estate tax exclusion amount for decedents dying in years 2018 to 2025. The act is set to sunset on December 31, 2025.

December 20, 2019
Contesting a Will

Question: My mom had a Will from 10 years ago that left everything equally to me and my siblings. Right before she died, I found out my brother made her sign a new Will that left everything to him. I don’t think she understood what she was signing. What should I do?

October 23, 2019
Further Estate Planning after the Death of a Spouse

Losing a spouse is an extremely difficult time in life and handling the administration of their estate can be a stressful experience. When you are ready, it is important to seek the advice of an estate planning and elder law attorney to discuss what needs to be done on behalf of your spouse’s estate and also what planning you need to do for your own estate.

October 11, 2019