Nassau County Estate Litigation Attorney

According to a 2012 Forbes magazine survey, Nassau County has the 12th highest median household annual income in the nation and the highest in New York State. The county’s significant wealth, combined with high property taxes resulting from budget issues in the 1990s, means residents face unique financial planning concerns. As a result, Nassau County residents need to plan for the future with special care.

By creating a comprehensive Estate Planning, our clients can divide their assets according to their goals while reducing the potential tax burden on heirs, which is a key consideration in Nassau County.

When you work hard to build your estate, you need to safeguard your property and savings. Without a legally valid will or trust, your assets may pass through Probate Litigation as intestate property after death. The state will decide distribution when there is no will.

Probate is the process for resolving final affairs after someone passes away. The probate process includes settling debts and taxes, determining whether there is a valid will, and distributing assets to heirs. The court identifies an executor if a valid will exists. If there is no will, the court decides how to distribute property, and these decisions may not always reflect what the decedent wanted.

Estate litigation in Nassau County often requires formal proceedings in the Surrogate's Court in Mineola. These cases may include disputes about a will’s validity, claims of undue influence, or concerns about how estate representatives manage assets. As a local estate litigation attorney in Nassau County, we follow court rules and advocate for our clients through each step. The high property values in Nassau County communities like Garden City and Great Neck can further complicate even modest estates and increase scrutiny, making legal support critical.

Many estate matters involve disputes related to the conduct of the personal representative, who administers the estate, or disagreements over asset distribution and who should serve as administrator. If a probate case becomes a contested litigation, we offer practical guidance and assertive representation to protect our clients’ interests.

We regularly handle issues involving beneficiary disputes, estate management, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Administering an estate can be a significant responsibility, and we recommend working with a qualified estate litigation lawyer in Nassau County from to navigate the process.

Seek experienced assistance from a qualified estate litigation attorney in Nassau County. Call (516) 324-3138 or contact us right away to secure your consultation.

Serving Nassau County Since 1994

Are you considering whether you need a will? If you are married, have children, or have built significant assets, you should take steps to prevent your estate from ending up in the wrong hands. A last will and testament is a legally enforceable document that states your wishes for distributing assets. Anyone over the age of eighteen may create a will.

New York law requires you to execute your will properly for it to be valid. A proper will allows you to appoint a guardian for minor children, reduce the risk of disputes in probate court, shorten the time it takes to distribute assets, and clarify how debts and expenses are paid when you pass away.

Trusts differ from wills in several ways, though they share some purposes. Both allow you to choose how assets are passed on. Trusts also permit you to name a trustee responsible for managing those assets. Trustees can be family, friends, or attorneys. One advantage of a trust is that it can avoid the probate process, allowing a smoother transfer of assets and property to heirs.

Common Types of Estate Disputes in Nassau County

Many families encounter estate litigation issues ranging from will contests to disputes among beneficiaries. Common disputes can include claims of undue influence or fraud, challenges over the validity of a last will and testament, allegations of breaches of fiduciary duty, and disagreements regarding the distribution of assets. Unique family dynamics or unclear estate planning documents can lead to uncertainty that fuels litigation. Our team brings more than two decades of experience working through these challenges, always supporting clients to move forward under New York law and Nassau County standards.

Nassau County's varied property market creates additional complications when multiple heirs or valuable properties are involved. Real estate prices in areas like Long Beach and Roslyn can raise the stakes and intensify disputes. Whether you have concerns about trust language, an executor's actions, or wish to contest a will, knowing which types of disputes regularly arise helps you approach each situation confidently. We support clients in understanding their rights and possible strategies in line with probate and estate law in both New York and Nassau County.

The Estate Litigation Process in Nassau County

Estate litigation in Nassau County generally starts with a filing at the Surrogate’s Court in Mineola. When a dispute arises—whether a contested will or a disagreement among heirs—the parties follow New York State rules and adhere to the court’s local practices. Every matter requires careful review of the will, the responsibilities of personal representatives, and detailed attention to claims made by family members or other interested parties. We guide clients through the filing process, communication with the court, and help address case timelines specific to Nassau County’s busy schedule.

The litigation process typically involves several phases: filing an initial petition, reviewing and exchanging relevant documents, participating in court conferences, and possibly attending a hearing in front of the Surrogate. We clarify what each stage involves, explain your options, and help you make informed choices. The duration and complexity of the case depend on estate size, number of beneficiaries, and property values. We approach each matter individually to help clients move through Nassau County estate litigation with confidence.

Powerful Litigation Attorneys

Along with preparing wills and trusts, Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC handles real estate transactions, irrevocable trusts, and estate litigation. Probate disputes can be emotional, especially when property or money is at stake. We handle estate litigation matters related to trusts, wills, spousal right of election, fiduciary litigation, and fiduciary removal. We address complex issues and strive to protect our clients’ rights and goals throughout the legal process.

Our firm assists clients through each phase, from examining claims to representing their interests at the Nassau County Surrogate's Court. We offer detailed guidance for will contests or questions about a trust’s authenticity, working to ensure every claim is supported by proper documentation. When conflicts arise among beneficiaries or concerns are raised over undue influence, we help navigate the applicable New York legal standards and clarify each party’s rights and responsibilities. Because Nassau County courts implement both New York State law and specific local processes, our experience in the region allows us to move cases forward efficiently and help clients avoid unnecessary delays.

Nassau County Resource Links

• About Nassau County
• Nassau County 10th Judicial District Surrogate's Court
• Nassau County Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does estate litigation usually take in Nassau County?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the estate and how many people are involved. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take over a year if multiple legal challenges or hearings occur.

Can someone contest a will based on suspected undue influence?

Yes, beneficiaries or interested parties may challenge a will if they believe someone exerted undue influence over the decedent. The Surrogate's Court reviews evidence to decide whether the will reflects the true wishes of the deceased.

What is the role of the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court in estate litigation?

The Surrogate’s Court manages estate administration, settles disputes among parties, and rules on the validity of wills and trusts. Nassau County follows New York State law but also uses local court procedures for handling these cases.

Trust our experienced estate litigation attorney in Nassau County to address your legal concerns. Act quickly by calling (516) 324-3138 to reserve your initial consultation.