New York offers a simplified probate process for small estates, called "voluntary administration of small estates" or "settlement of small estates without court administration. This simplified probate process is often also known as "summary probate" or "summary administration.")
If there is no Will, an Intestate Administration proceeding is filed. The court will then appoint an Administrator and he or she will have all of the powers of an Executor.
However, small estate affidavits are meant to offer a simple alternative to probate, and many people may use them to claim property quickly and easily without having to involve a probate lawyer.
Complete the affidavit: Fill out the form with the decedent's information, a list of their assets and the names and addresses of all heirs or beneficiaries. Notarize the affidavit: Sign the completed affidavit in front of a notary public. Some states might also require additional witnesses.
An estate checking account serves as a temporary account to manage the estate's financial affairs. A personal representative must request an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS to open a checking account with a financial institution.
An estate account will remain open until the funds have been distributed in ance with the distribution and/or probate order.
CLOSING THE ESTATE: FORM 207.42 must be prepared and executed by the fiduciary and the attorney and filed after 7 months or by the end of 2 years from the date of fiduciary appointment. RELEASES from all beneficiaries of the estate must be executed and filed at this time, if not already filed.