Wills and Probate

Staten Island Attorney Facilitates Probate and Estate Administration

Efficient, meticulous service saves beneficiaries time, stress and expense

When individuals die, whatever worldly possessions they have pass to their heirs. That sounds seamless and effortless, but that’s rarely the reality. Whether the decedent left a will or died intestate (without a will), there are required steps that a representative must take to release the assets for transfer. Since 1997, William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law has helped residents of New York and New Jersey accelerate the process and obtain accurate results. As probate attorney or estate administrator, we spare our clients unnecessary losses due to preventable delays.

What is the difference between probate and estate administration?

If a person leaves a will, the surrogate court must validate that will so that an executor can begin to execute the terms.

If a person dies intestate, the surrogate court will approve an estate administrator selected by the known heirs to settle the estate and transfer the assets according to the state’s laws of inheritance.

Each process requires great attention to detail. The probate or estate administration attorney must:

  • Settle claims against the estate by various creditors
  • Collect debts owed to the estate
  • Locate beneficiaries
  • Settle all federal, state and estate taxes payable by the estate
  • Administer guardianships for minor children and conservatorships for dependent adults
  • Execute deed transfers of real property
  • Resolve disputes among beneficiaries

Prompt, attentive legal service preserves value for an estate’s heirs

There are many ways in which an estate’s wealth can get lost in the probate or estate administration process. Taxation is a major consideration, and although these issues are best handled through careful estate planning before an individual dies, there are some helpful measures an experienced attorney can take at this stage. However, the major culprit is delay, which results from any number of factors, including:

  • Disorganization of the decedent’s estate
  • Creditor litigation
  • Clarity of the decedent’s intentions
  • Squabbling among family members
  • Will contests by disgruntled heirs

Given the potential level of chaos during a time when close relatives are grieving, it’s always best to seek out an experienced estate administration firm. Over the years we’ve satisfied our clients who appreciate the care we take during this sensitive time and the results we reached through diligent work and attention to detail.

Contact a meticulous Staten Island attorney for probate or estate administration in NY and NJ

William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law facilitates the transfer of inheritances through the surrogate courts of New York and New Jersey. For further information and a one-on-one consultation with Mr. Newstad in our Great Kills Town office, call 718.815.5800 or contact our office online.

office location

William J. Newstad, Attorney at Law
3884 Amboy Road
Staten Island, New York 10308
718.815.5800 Phone
888.419.1547 Fax
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718.815.5800

William J. Newstad, Attorney at Law is located in Staten Island, NY and serves clients in and around Staten Island, Breezy Point, Brooklyn, New York, Jamaica, Rockaway Park, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Long Island City, Howard Beach, Middle Village, Sunnyside, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Woodside, Arverne, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Astoria, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Corona, East Elmhurst, Inwood, Springfield Gardens, Bronx, Bronx County, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Orange County, Queens County, Richmond County, Rockland County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.