Aggressive & Experienced Representation Probate Litigation

Probate Litigation Attorney in Long Island

Over 20 Years in Estate Litigation. A Seat at Nassau County’s Surrogate’s Court Table.

When an estate becomes contested, you need more than a general litigator. At Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we bring over 20 years of focused estate litigation experience to every probate dispute we handle. Jonathan E. Kroll sits on the Surrogate’s Court Estates and Trusts Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, giving clients direct familiarity with the courts where Long Island probate cases are heard. That institutional connection matters when your dispute is filed in Nassau County Surrogate’s Court in Mineola or Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court in Riverhead.

Probate litigation covers formal legal disputes arising from the administration of a deceased person’s estate, heard in New York’s Surrogate’s Court. These cases range from challenges to a will’s validity to allegations of executor misconduct, and they often surface at some of the most difficult moments a family faces. Our consultations are conducted by an attorney at no charge, so you can understand your options before committing to a course of action.

For trusted legal guidance from a probate litigation attorney on Long Island, call (516) 324-3138 or contact us to schedule your consultation.

Probate Litigation Services We Handle

Our focused practice in estate litigation and probate law means we work through these disputes every day. Over more than two decades, we have represented heirs, trustees, executors, surviving spouses, next of kin, and fiduciaries across a wide range of probate and trust disputes throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Common triggers for probate litigation in Long Island Surrogate’s Court include:

Will Contests: Challenges to a will’s validity based on lack of testamentary capacity (the mental ability required to make a valid will) or undue influence by a third party
Executor and Administrator Misconduct: Allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, or failure to properly administer the estate
Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicts among beneficiaries over asset distribution or the interpretation of estate documents
Trust Administration Conflicts: Disputes over trustee decisions, accountings, or distributions under the terms of a trust
Intestate Succession Disputes: Disagreements over who inherits when the decedent died without a valid will
Creditor Claims: Contested claims against the estate by creditors during the administration period

Whether you’re contesting a will or defending the estate’s administration, we tailor our approach to your specific position in the dispute. We’ve handled a multitude of trust cases and probate contests throughout eastern New York, and every strategy we build is shaped by the facts and objectives of that particular client.

Why Long Island Families Choose Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC

Our reputation with judges and opposing attorneys on Long Island is a practical asset in your case. Jonathan E. Kroll is highly respected in the professional community for his ability and integrity, and the firm holds excellent standing with the courts and counsel we encounter in practice. The firm received a Super Lawyers selection in 2023, a peer-reviewed recognition reflecting standing among New York attorneys.

Since 2021, Jonathan E. Kroll has also served on the Nassau County Judiciary Committee, recognized for outstanding service and integrity. These aren’t honorary titles. They reflect sustained engagement with the legal community that shapes how Surrogate’s Court matters are handled on Long Island, and that familiarity can benefit each client we represent. No two estates are alike, and we don’t apply a standard playbook. Each case receives a customized litigation strategy built around your circumstances and goals.

Our approach to probate litigation begins before any document is filed. We take time to understand each client’s specific circumstances and objectives, including the family dynamics and financial stakes involved, before crafting a strategy. That preparation shapes everything: which arguments to advance, which evidence to prioritize, and whether a negotiated resolution serves the client better than a contested proceeding. Every solution we develop is legally sound and suited to each client’s actual situation. Transparent communication throughout the process means clients can make informed decisions at each stage rather than being caught off guard by developments.

The Probate Litigation Process in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Understanding how these cases move through court can reduce uncertainty. Long Island probate litigation is governed by the New York Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, and cases typically follow a defined sequence from initial filing through resolution. Nassau and Suffolk Counties each have their own Surrogate’s Court with distinct filing procedures and local rules, which is one reason local experience matters.

Filing a Petition: We prepare and file all necessary documents to initiate or challenge a probate case in the appropriate Surrogate’s Court.
Gathering Evidence: Our team collects and evaluates relevant documentation and witness testimony to build a factual record supporting your position.
Negotiation and Mediation: We pursue negotiated or mediated resolutions where possible, which can reduce cost, protect relationships, and in some cases resolve the matter faster than trial.
Trial Representation: If the matter proceeds to trial, we provide representation to protect your interests through the full court proceeding.

These cases carry emotional weight beyond the financial stakes. Family relationships and a person’s legacy are bound up in how an estate is administered and disputed, and we approach that reality with care. Under New York law, creditors generally have seven months from the date Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued to present claims against an estate. Contested proceedings can extend the timeline considerably depending on the complexity of the dispute and court scheduling in Nassau or Suffolk County.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Complete an online form to take the next step with a probate litigation attorney on Long Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Probate Litigation?

Probate litigation involves legal disputes over the administration of a deceased person’s estate. Common issues include will contests, challenges to executor decisions, breach of fiduciary duty, and creditor claims. These disputes are heard in New York’s Surrogate’s Court, with Long Island matters handled in Nassau or Suffolk County depending on where the decedent lived.

How Long Does Probate Litigation Take on Long Island?

Timelines vary. Straightforward disputes can resolve in a few months through negotiation or mediation. Contested matters that proceed to trial may take considerably longer, sometimes several years, depending on the estate’s complexity, the nature of the dispute, and each county’s court schedule. We work to advance cases efficiently at every stage.

Can Probate Litigation Be Avoided?

Not always, but proactive estate planning significantly reduces the likelihood of disputes. A clearly drafted, current will and a comprehensive estate plan can remove much of the ambiguity that leads to litigation. We assist with strategic planning designed to minimize the risk of future legal challenges.

What Should I Do If I’m Facing a Probate Dispute?

Contact an attorney promptly. Rights in a probate proceeding can require immediate action through the Surrogate’s Court, and delay can limit your options. Reaching out to our office starts with a no-cost consultation with an attorney who can assess your position and explain what steps to take.

How Are Probate Disputes Resolved?

Most disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a combination before reaching trial. When a negotiated resolution isn’t possible, we provide representation through the full court proceeding. The right path depends on the facts of the dispute, the parties involved, and your specific goals.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Probate Dispute

If your estate matter has become a dispute, you don’t have to face it without guidance. At Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we offer free attorney consultations and comprehensive legal support for probate litigation throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Call (516) 324-3138 to speak with our team and take the first step toward addressing your case with an attorney who knows Long Island’s Surrogate’s Courts.

Ready to move forward? Call (516) 324-3138 or get in touch with us to book your consultation.

What Sets Us Apart

Online Payments and Credit Cards Accepted
Free Consultations Provided by an Attorney
Excellent Reputation with Other Attorneys & Judges
We Help Families Find Unique Solutions
Extensive Experience in Family & Divorce Law
Accessible and Personalized Legal Service

Why Hire Us?

Read why working with Jonathan E. Kroll is right for you.

Handling a Variety of Estate Litigation Cases

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