When a Westchester County resident dies, assets titled in their name alone generally must pass through Surrogate’s Court before they can be distributed to beneficiaries. The court-supervised process (probate if there is a will, administration if there is not) involves validating the will, appointing a fiduciary, notifying creditors, and distributing the estate.
The guides below cover each phase: whether probate is necessary, how to file in Westchester County Surrogate’s Court, what the executor’s duties are, how long it typically takes, and how to handle estates with out-of-state property.
Probate & Estate Administration in Westchester County Articles
Ancillary Probate in New York: When a Non-Resident Owns NY Property
Understanding ancillary probate in New York. SCPA 1601-1612 explained. When it's required for out-of-state decedents with Westchester real property.
Do I Need Probate in New York? When Probate Is and Is Not Required
Learn whether probate is required in New York. Assets that bypass probate, the small estate threshold of $50,000, and alternatives to probate.
Executor Duties and Responsibilities in New York
What an executor must do to administer an estate in New York, from obtaining Letters Testamentary to filing the final accounting. A practical guide for Westchester County executors.
How Long Does Probate Take in Westchester County?
Probate timelines in Westchester County typically span 9-18 months. Learn what factors speed up or delay the process and your alternatives.
Intestacy in New York: What Happens Without a Will
When a New York resident dies without a will, EPTL 4-1.1 determines who inherits. Learn the intestacy rules, distribution shares, and what it means for Westchester County families.
Letters of Administration in New York
How to obtain Letters of Administration from the Surrogate's Court when a person dies without a will, including the priority rules, bond requirements, and process in Westchester County.
Letters Testamentary in New York: What They Are and How to Get Them
Letters Testamentary are the legal authority an executor needs to act on behalf of an estate. Learn how to obtain them from the Westchester County Surrogate's Court.
New York Probate Deadline Checker
Enter a date of death and date letters were issued to see all key probate deadlines for estate administration in New York.
Probate in Westchester County: A Step-by-Step Guide
How probate works in Westchester County Surrogate's Court, from filing the petition to closing the estate. A practical guide for executors and family members.
Small Estate Administration in New York
How to settle a small estate in New York without full probate, including the $50,000 threshold under SCPA Article 13, the voluntary administrator process, and what qualifies.
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