PROBATE

It is understandably difficult to deal with the loss of a loved one while also bearing the burden of reviewing their assets and administering the estate.   

If your loved one passed leaving a valid Last Will & Testament, then you are required to file it with the Surrogate's Court.  This procedure is what is known as Probating a Will. Probate proceedings can be multifaceted and time consuming.    

   Step one is to ensure you are in possession of the original Will (or determine who has the original Will).

   Step two is to value the assets of the estate.

   Step three is preparing to file a Petition for Letters Testamentary and Probate to submit the Will with the Surrogate's Court in the County where your loved one was domiciled. 

Probate is the procedure of determining the legal validity of the Will according to New York law and appointing the estate representative - either an Executor or an Administrator c.t.a.  

If your loved one died without leaving a Last Will and Testament, then a Petition for Letters of Administration would be filed seeking the appointment of an Administrator.