The Surrogate's Court will issue Short Certificates (Letters Testamentary) to the executor, which the executor will use to obtain access to the decedent's estate assets. The executor will then distribute the assets pursuant to the terms of the will.
If any person dies intestate, administration of the intestate's estate shall be granted to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of the intestate, if he or she will accept the administration, and, if not, or if there be no surviving spouse or domestic partner, then to the remaining heirs of the intestate, or some of ...
In the absence of a will, the Surrogate's Court will appoint an administrator to administer the estate: The decedent's closest next of kin have a right to apply as administrator. The decedent's spouse has first rights to apply.
The Surrogate will then issue Letters of Administration which is the authorization for the administrator to act on behalf of the estate and Administration Short Certificates which the administrator uses as proof of his/her authority to transfer or sell assets of the decedent.
Any time after death, but letters may not be issued sooner than 10 days after death (except when there is no Will then five days after death is the required time lapse). Immediately after letters are issued (acts of fiduciary before Letters issued, if in good faith are permissible). No later than 60 days after probate.
The person who is seeking to qualify as Administrator must bring in to the Surrogate's office: A certified copy of the death certificate. A complete list of names and addresses of all immediate next of kin of the decedent. Documentation of the assets (bank statements, car titles or registrations, Deeds, etc.)
Understanding the Deceased Estate 3-Year Rule The core premise of the 3-year rule is that if the deceased's estate is not claimed or administered within three years of their death, the state or governing body may step in and take control of the distribution and management of the assets.
An estate can be closed in one of four fashions: (1) the funds can simply be distributed directly by the Executor or Administrator to estate beneficiaries; (2) the funds can be distributed to an heir(s) after each signs a Release and Refunding Bond waiving his or her right to a formal accounting; (3) distribution can ...
Contents Make a last will. Think about a living trust. Make sure minor children are provided for. Make a living will. Make a power of attorney. Consider a life insurance policy. Make sure your beneficiary names are correct and up to date. Make sure you've addressed estate tax obligations.
Here are some things to consider when drafting a letter to your executor or trustee. Your thoughts about wealth. Share your story about how you came to the assets that you are leaving in your will. How was your wealth created, what do you value and what are your long-term goals for your wealth?