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Estate Administration Made Simple

Probate Lawyer in Queens, NY

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Adding the stress of probate court: deadlines, paperwork, disputes, and unexpected costs — can feel overwhelming.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of:

  • Proving the validity of a will in New York Surrogate’s Court
  • Identifying, gathering, and valuing assets
  • Notifying heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
  • Paying estate debts and taxes
  • Transferring property to rightful heirs or beneficiaries

Without skilled legal guidance, probate can drag on for months, spark disputes, and drain estate assets. With Richard, you’ll have a clear plan and an advocate protecting your family’s interests.

How Long Does Probate Take in Queens, NY?

Most probate cases in Queens take 7–9 months, but the timeline depends on:

  • The size and complexity of the estate
  • Whether the will is contested
  • How quickly paperwork is filed
  • Court scheduling and backlogs

Some estates qualify for simplified “small estate” administration. Contested cases can last much longer. Our firm works proactively to minimize delays, anticipate challenges, and move your case forward as efficiently as possible.

Why Hire a Probate Lawyer?

Handling probate alone is risky and stressful. I provide:

Court Representation

I file petitions, appear in Surrogate’s Court, and handle communications.

Executor Guidance

If you’ve been named executor, I walk you through every step and legal duty.

Tax & Debt Management

Ensuring all obligations are met while protecting estate assets.

Dispute Resolution

I mediate or litigate will contests, protecting your loved one’s wishes and your family relationships.

Complete Administration

From bank accounts and real estate transfers to locating heirs and closing estates, I manage the details so you don’t have to.

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Probate Disputes

Probate disputes are highly emotional and can quickly divide families. Richard Cary Spivack provides calm, strategic advocacy in:

  • Will Contests: Defending valid wills or challenging invalid ones.
  • Beneficiary Rights: Protecting your interests when conflicts arise.
  • Mediation & Litigation: Resolving issues outside court when possible, or fighting assertively in Surrogate’s Court when necessary.

Our goal: protect your rights, preserve your loved one’s intentions, and keep family conflict to a minimum.

You ask, I answer

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Small estates may qualify for simplified administration. Larger estates with property and assets typically require probate.

New York intestacy laws decide how assets are distributed. We guide families through this process to protect their rights.

Yes. Beneficiaries may challenge a will’s validity or dispute an executor’s actions. We represent clients in both defending and contesting probate matters.