Enforcing the terms of someone’s will or distributing assets according to New York’s intestacy law can present a significant challenge. Kenyon & Kenyon in Canandaigua represents executors and administrators in probate matters so that they can carry out their duties successfully and with minimal hassle. From start to finish, we provide strong guidance to clients in Ontario County and the surrounding areas who are charged with administering estates.
In New York, estates whose asset value is lower than $30,000 can usually be settled by affidavit. However, most matters must go through the more formal system. We assist executors by creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously at each stage of the process, including:
Relying on more than 75 years of combined experience in probate and estate planning matters, our attorneys have the ability to handle the most sophisticated matters with skill and professionalism. We know that the probate process follows a time of painful emotional loss and strive to ease the stress throughout the management of the decedent’s estate.
The stress of a probate dispute can compound the pain of losing a loved one. When disputes arise, our attorneys maintain a composed courtroom demeanor. This helps calm the emotionally charged process of challenging an invalid will or defending a valid will against erroneous claims made by unhappy beneficiaries. If you choose to preserve amiable family relationships, our attorneys can skillfully mediate disputes to reach just, equitable resolutions with your loved ones. When necessary, we assertively defend your beneficiary rights in negotiations and probate litigation.
Not all of a decedent’s assets are transferred to beneficiaries through the probate system. Life insurance proceeds, jointly held accounts, real estate held in joint tenancy and property that is placed in a living trust does not become part of the estate. If you are serving as an estate representative or have been named in the will, we make sure that you have a true understanding of how ownership of each asset will shift.
Kenyon & Kenyon handles probate matters for Western New York clients. For a consultation, please call 585-577-7577 or contact us online. Our office is in Canandaigua.