Estate Planning: Wills and Advance Planning

A well-prepared estate plan allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed and who will handle your affairs. Without a valid will, New York’s intestacy laws determine how property is divided, which may not reflect your intentions. At The Law Office of Marc Shatkin, Esq., we assist with:

Drafting and updating wills

Planning for asset distribution

Naming executors and guardians

Addressing basic estate planning needs

Taking these steps now can reduce uncertainty for your family and make the administration process more efficient later.

The Probate Process in New York

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and administering an estate. In New York, this process typically takes place in Surrogate’s Court and involves several steps, including identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries.

Our office helps Buffalo families with:

Filing probate petitions

Guiding executors through their responsibilities

Addressing creditor claims and estate obligations

Distributing assets according to the will

We work to keep the process organized and on track while ensuring legal requirements are met.

Estate Administration Without a Will

If someone passes away without a will, their estate is handled through administration rather than probate. New York law determines who inherits and who may serve as the estate administrator.

We assist with:

Petitioning for administration

Identifying rightful heirs

Managing estate assets and obligations

Completing the distribution process

Handling an estate without a will can present additional challenges, but proper guidance can help avoid delays and disputes.

Resolving Estate Disputes

Disagreements can arise during probate or estate administration, particularly when questions exist about a will’s validity, asset distribution, or executor conduct. These matters may require court involvement to resolve.

We provide representation in estate-related disputes, working to protect your interests while seeking practical resolutions whenever possible.

Wills, Estates & Probate

Planning for the future or handling a loved one’s estate involves important legal and financial decisions. In Buffalo, NY, wills, estate administration, and probate are governed by New York law, which sets specific requirements for distributing assets and resolving outstanding obligations. Whether you are preparing an estate plan or managing an estate after a loss, clear legal guidance can help you move forward with fewer complications.