Creating a Last Will and Testament is a responsible step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, having a Will in New York does not negate the need for probate.
Many people ask me during our consultations: “Do I Need to Probate If I Have a Will in New York?” The answer is Yes, you need to probate if you have a Will in New York. In fact, probating is the way that you actually give your Will legal effect. Until the Will is admitted to probate, it has no legal effect.
Understanding Probate:
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated, and their assets are distributed to beneficiaries. While having a will is essential for specifying your wishes, it doesn’t bypass probate.
Do I Need to Probate If I Have a Will in New York? When Probate Is Necessary in New York:
1. Assets in Sole Ownership: If you have assets in your sole name without joint ownership or beneficiary designations, then you need to go through probate. This includes real estate, bank accounts, and personal property.
2. Validation of the Will: Probate ensures that the will is genuine and valid. The court will review the document and ensure it meets legal requirements.
3. Creditor Claims: Probate provides a platform for creditors to make claims against the estate. This process ensures that debts are settled before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
4. Disputes or Contests: If there are disputes or contests regarding the will’s validity or its terms, the probate court will address these issues.
5. Complex Estates: For complex estates with various assets, beneficiaries, or unique circumstances, probate may be necessary to facilitate the distribution process.
Ways to Avoid Probate:
While probate can be time-consuming and costly, there are strategies to minimize its impact on your estate. Indeed, you can avoid probate by:
– Establishing joint ownership or using payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations for assets.
– Creating a revocable living trust to hold your assets and bypass probate.
– Gifting assets during your lifetime to reduce the size of your probate estate.
Do I Need to Probate If I Have a Will in New York? – Conclusion:
In New York, having a Will is a crucial step in estate planning, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for probate. The necessity for probate depends on the nature of your assets and your overall estate plan. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate the complexities and decide on the best approach for your situation. Remember that laws and regulations can change, so it’s essential to stay informed and update your estate plan as needed.
For more information, please contact NYC Probate Litigation, Guardianship, NYC Probate and Estate Planning attorney Regina Kiperman:
Phone: 917-261-4514
Fax: 929-556-2089
Email: rkiperman@rklawny.com
Or visit her at:
40 Wall Street
Suite 2508
New York, NY 10005
Visit Regina on LinkedIn
Visit Regina on Facebook
This page is made available by the lawyer for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the lawyer. The post should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.