Is this a “small estate” in New York, and do I need full probate?
If your loved one died with $50,000 or less of personal property and no real estate owned in their name alone, you can use New York’s small‑estate path—voluntary administration—instead of full probate. The court filing fee is $1.00, and the Surrogate’s Court issues short certificates so you can collect assets. I’ll confirm eligibility in one call and file in Queens quickly. (cf.nycourts.gov)
| Feature | Small estate (Voluntary Administration) | Full probate/administration |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Personal property ≤ $50,000; no sole‑owned real property | Any size; includes real property |
| Court fee | $1.00 | $45–$1,250 based on estate value |
| Typical pace | Weeks to a few months | Several months or more |
| Output | Certificates to collect assets | Letters Testamentary/Administration |
What do I file in Queens County Surrogate’s Court?
You’ll file the Small Estate Affidavit (SE forms) with a certified death certificate; if there’s a will, we file the original. List each asset so the court can issue a certificate for it (bank, brokerage, co‑op shares, vehicle). Fees are paid to the Surrogate’s Court cashier. I prepare, file, and track everything so you don’t have to commute more than once to Jamaica. (nycourts.gov)
- Steps I take for you:
- Verify small‑estate eligibility and beneficiaries.
- Draft the affidavit; assemble exhibits and ID.
- File in Queens Surrogate’s Court and monitor status.
- Use certificates to collect and distribute assets per NY law.
Where am I located, and how fast can we start?
I’m at 118‑21 Queens Blvd, Suite 504, Forest Hills—near Queens Borough Hall, Austin Street, and the Union Turnpike–Kew Gardens E/F stop—so same‑day consultations are common. Families choose us for 45+ years of experience, Martindale‑Hubbell Distinguished rating, and A+ BBB accreditation; I bring former‑ADA courtroom focus to even simple filings. Call, and I’ll outline next steps in 10 minutes. (queens-probatelawyer.com)
This post was created with the help of AI. Images or video may also be AI generated.