THE THRESHOLD FOR PROBATE IN NEW YORK In New York, if the estate has assets valued at $50,000 or more, probate may be required. This threshold is set by the Surrogate's Court in New York and applies to all assets held solely in the decedent's name.
The process begins by filing an affidavit with the Surrogate's Court in the county where the deceased lived. The person filing the affidavit, known as the “voluntary administrator,” is often a close relative or the primary beneficiary of the estate.
In New York, creditors typically have seven months from the date the executor is appointed to file claims against the estate. This period, known as the "creditor's claim period," is crucial for settling the estate's debts.
The Notice of Claim must be served on the municipal government agency, by personal delivery, or registered or certified mail. The service must be made upon a person designated by law to receive summonses in Supreme Court actions or an attorney regularly engaged in representing such public corporations.
You can use this program if: If the decedent (the person who died) had $50,000 or less in personal property. If the decedent owned real property, he/she owned it jointly with someone else and you don't plan to sell the real estate.
How to Submit a Claim A copy of the death certificate. Proof of Address or Ownership connecting the owner to the address or funds. Letters of Authority (Testamentary/Administration) issued by the court certifying your appointment, dated within the last six months, or a Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs.
Filing for a Small Estate If there is a Will, the Executor files the original Will and a certified death certificate with the small estate affidavit petition and other supporting documents in the Surrogate's Court in the county where the Decedent had their primary residence.
If you have been named as a beneficiary in a will, it is important to recognize how long you have to declare your inheritance. Generally speaking, the time limit for a person or family member to claim an inheritance in New York State is two years from the date of the decedent's death.
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.