Grieving a loved one is difficult, and dealing with court filings or financial matters can make it even harder. Probate is the legal process used to settle someone’s estate after they die. It helps ensure debts are paid and property is passed on according to the law or a valid will.

At Ligh Law, we know how confusing and emotional this time can be. Our team helps clients handle the legal side of things with patience and clarity, so you can focus on what matters most.

What Is Probate?

Probate gives the court a structured way to settle a person’s legal and financial affairs after they’ve passed away. It may include:

  • Validating the will (if there is one)
  • Appointing someone to be in charge of the estate
  • Paying debts and taxes
  • Distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries

In some cases, probate is simple. In others, it can take time and involve court hearings, paperwork, and disputes. We’re here to help you handle each part with care.

Common Steps in the Probate Process

Probate typically moves through several stages:

  • A petition is filed with the court to begin the process.
  • The court appoints someone to oversee the estate.
  • The estate’s debts and taxes are paid.
  • Assets are distributed based on the will or the law.

Throughout each stage, we help you stay organized, meet court requirements, and move the process forward efficiently.

Do All Estates Go Through Probate?

Whether an estate must go through probate depends on how the assets were titled. Probate is often required when property was owned solely by the deceased. However, certain assets pass directly to others, including jointly owned property, accounts with designated beneficiaries, and assets held in trust. We can review the details and help you understand what’s required, or if there’s a simpler path forward.

Challenges That Can Arise

Even when everyone gets along, probate can present challenges. There might be missing documents, unaccounted-for assets, or unexpected claims from creditors. If family members disagree about the will or how the estate is managed, the court may need to get involved to resolve the dispute.

We offer steady guidance during these moments to help reduce stress and avoid costly delays.

Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets

One of the key factors in estate administration is understanding which assets are subject to probate and which are not. Probate assets are those owned solely by the deceased without a beneficiary designation.

Examples of probate assets:

  • Solely owned bank or investment accounts
  • Real estate titled in the deceased’s name only
  • Personal property with no co-owner or listed beneficiary

Non-probate assets pass directly to another person and typically include:

  • Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship
  • Life insurance with a named beneficiary
  • Retirement accounts with beneficiary designations
  • Assets held in a trust

We help you distinguish between the two and determine how each asset should be handled.

How Long Does Probate Take?

Probate isn’t always quick. Even simple probate proceedings in New York can take over a year to complete.

Factors that can affect the timeline include:

  • Whether the will is contested
  • The number of creditors or debts
  • How easily the assets can be located and valued

We help keep the process on track and work to resolve any delays as efficiently as possible.

How a Probate Lawyer Can Help

Probate involves a combination of legal filings, financial matters, and strict procedural requirements. A lawyer can take on the paperwork, explain your responsibilities as [an executor or personal representative], and speak with the court and creditors on your behalf. We also make sure the estate is distributed properly, according to the will or the law.

At Ligh Law, we help ease the burden of probate by handling the legal work so you can focus on your loved ones.

Contact an Experienced New YorkProbate Attorney

Probate can raise numerous questions, especially during an already challenging time. Having someone to guide you through the process can make a big difference for your peace of mind and your family’s future.

Contact Ligh Law to learn how we can assist you and your family.

Probate Process

Grieving a loved one is difficult, and dealing with court filings or financial matters can make it even harder. Probate is the legal process used to settle someone’s estate after they die. It helps ensure debts are paid and property is passed on according to the law or a valid will.

At Ligh Law, we know how confusing and emotional this time can be. Our team helps clients handle the legal side of things with patience and clarity, so you can focus on what matters most.

What Is Probate?

Probate gives the court a structured way to settle a person’s legal and financial affairs after they’ve passed away. It may include:

  • Validating the will (if there is one)
  • Appointing someone to be in charge of the estate
  • Paying debts and taxes
  • Distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries

In some cases, probate is simple. In others, it can take time and involve court hearings, paperwork, and disputes. We’re here to help you handle each part with care.

Common Steps in the Probate Process

Probate typically moves through several stages:

  • A petition is filed with the court to begin the process.
  • The court appoints someone to oversee the estate.
  • The estate’s debts and taxes are paid.
  • Assets are distributed based on the will or the law.

Throughout each stage, we help you stay organized, meet court requirements, and move the process forward efficiently.

Do All Estates Go Through Probate?

Whether an estate must go through probate depends on how the assets were titled. Probate is often required when property was owned solely by the deceased. However, certain assets pass directly to others, including jointly owned property, accounts with designated beneficiaries, and assets held in trust. We can review the details and help you understand what’s required, or if there’s a simpler path forward.

Challenges That Can Arise

Even when everyone gets along, probate can present challenges. There might be missing documents, unaccounted-for assets, or unexpected claims from creditors. If family members disagree about the will or how the estate is managed, the court may need to get involved to resolve the dispute.

We offer steady guidance during these moments to help reduce stress and avoid costly delays.

Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets

One of the key factors in estate administration is understanding which assets are subject to probate and which are not. Probate assets are those owned solely by the deceased without a beneficiary designation.

Examples of probate assets:

  • Solely owned bank or investment accounts
  • Real estate titled in the deceased’s name only
  • Personal property with no co-owner or listed beneficiary

Non-probate assets pass directly to another person and typically include:

  • Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship
  • Life insurance with a named beneficiary
  • Retirement accounts with beneficiary designations
  • Assets held in a trust

We help you distinguish between the two and determine how each asset should be handled.

How Long Does Probate Take?

Probate isn’t always quick. Even simple probate proceedings in New York can take over a year to complete.

Factors that can affect the timeline include:

  • Whether the will is contested
  • The number of creditors or debts
  • How easily the assets can be located and valued

We help keep the process on track and work to resolve any delays as efficiently as possible.

How a Probate Lawyer Can Help

Probate involves a combination of legal filings, financial matters, and strict procedural requirements. A lawyer can take on the paperwork, explain your responsibilities as [an executor or personal representative], and speak with the court and creditors on your behalf. We also make sure the estate is distributed properly, according to the will or the law.

At Ligh Law, we help ease the burden of probate by handling the legal work so you can focus on your loved ones.

Contact an Experienced New YorkProbate Attorney

Probate can raise numerous questions, especially during an already challenging time. Having someone to guide you through the process can make a big difference for your peace of mind and your family’s future.

Contact Ligh Law to learn how we can assist you and your family.