Probate Litigation In New York: Resolving Estate Disputes With Compassion
At Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC, attorney Maureen Pritchard brings over 14 years of quality legal counsel to probate litigation cases across the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Our team understands the personal nature of estate disputes. We aim to guide you through the process with as little stress as possible. If you’re facing a probate dispute or inheritance conflict, we’re here to provide attentive support and guidance to protect your interests.
Understanding Probate Litigation
The loss of a loved one is always difficult, and legal complications can add to this stress. Probate, the court-supervised process that follows a person’s passing, is designed to settle their affairs. This includes identifying assets, paying off debts and distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries – either according to the deceased’s will or state law if no will exists.
Unfortunately, this process doesn’t always go smoothly. Disagreements over wills, trusts or the administration of an estate can lead to probate litigation. In such cases, beneficiaries, heirs or other interested parties may file a petition in the surrogate’s court if they believe there are issues with the will or estate administration.
Whether contesting a will, challenging an executor’s actions or defending against claims as a fiduciary, this process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to guide you through common probate disputes, such as:
- Will contests (challenging whether the will is valid)
- Challenges to executor appointments (questioning who manages the estate)
- Claims of undue influence or fraud (alleging someone improperly influenced the deceased)
- Breach of fiduciary duty allegations (accusing estate managers of mishandling assets)
- Disagreements over asset distribution (disputes about who gets what)
Our goal is to help you understand your rights and options, and make the process as manageable as possible.
Comprehensive Probate Litigation Services
We recognize that probate disputes often involve family members or close friends, which can make these situations particularly challenging. Our approach is to seek amicable resolutions whenever possible.
This approach often helps preserve important relationships while still protecting our clients’ interests in a wide range of probate-related matters, including:
- Will and trust contests
- Fiduciary litigation
- Guardianship and conservatorship disputes
- Estate and trust administration conflicts
- Accounting disputes
In each of these areas, we prioritize finding cooperative solutions. This includes handling complex trust disputes and administration issues, as well as other estate matters. However, when necessary, we’re fully prepared to use our litigation experience to protect you in court.
The Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC Approach To Complex Issues
At our firm, we believe that even in difficult issues, legal counsel shouldn’t just “get the job done.” We should be a source of support. We’ll meet with you, listen to your concerns and explain everything clearly – without confusing legal jargon.
For instance, we might help you understand complex legal terms like “executorship” in simple language, comparing it to being the manager of the deceased’s financial affairs. We could also explain how trusts work as estate planning tools to protect and manage your assets, both during your lifetime and after you’re gone.
A Probate Litigation Attorney’s Role In Surrogate’s Court
Surrogate’s court can feel overwhelming. As your probate litigation lawyers, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. We’ll help you understand your options, develop a thoughtful strategy and stand up for your interests.
To address your probate concerns or get help with estate planning, schedule a free consultation at our Long Island City office near Queensboro Plaza. Call 347-815-1219 or complete our intake form.