A New York Estate is Not a Legal Entity and Cannot Be Sued. After the death of an individual, the usual course is to proceed to have a fiduciary appointed to represent the decedent's estate.
In New York, creditors have a maximum of seven months to file claims against an estate. If you have questions related to this aspect of estate administration, Jules Haas is a seasoned New York City estate litigation attorney who may be able to assist you.
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.
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.
Once a creditor becomes aware of a decedent's death, they must send a written notice of claim. The claim should set forth the amount owed and the particular facts out of which the claim arises.
If you have no legitimate or living residual beneficiary, state law applies. When a will has residual benefits and no heir to claim them or if the residual beneficiary themselves has died, typically states distribute the property under their intestacy laws.
An heir can claim their inheritance anywhere from six months to three years after a decedent passes away, depending on where they live. Every state and county jurisdiction sets different rules about an heir's ability to claim their inheritance.
New York state law does not have a specific time limit for settling an estate.