Estate Planning & Probate
What happens to what I own?
Whatever you decide, or whatever New York decides for you. Dying without a will hands the distribution of an estate to a statute that knows nothing about your family, and probate in Surrogate’s Court proceeds on its own timetable regardless of what anybody needs. Most of the difficulty that families encounter afterwards is created, or avoided, in advance.
What this covers
- Wills, and what happens without one
- Probate and estate administration in Surrogate’s Court
- Powers of attorney and health care proxies
- Trusts, and when one is and is not worth it
- Executor duties and the questions executors ask first
- Deed transfers and how real property passes
When it is worth a call
- You have no will, or the one you have predates a marriage, divorce, child or move
- A parent or spouse has died and you do not know what happens next
- You have been named executor and are not sure what that obliges you to do
- You own property in more than one state
What colleagues and clients say
I trust Mitch to handle all of my real estate transactions as my Of Counsel and he always comes through and often produces results I never imagined.
I found Mitch when he jumped on a conference call that my boss and I were on with the landlord and his attorney for a prospective new location. Within minutes, he cut through all the BS and uncovered a treacherous situation we almost walked into. Immediately after the call, I told my boss, "We need this guy as our General Counsel." The rest is history.
I am Outside General Counsel for the Lagos Group, which consists of one restaurant in the heart of Times Square called Lagos TSQ, one in Harlem called Native and two restaurants in Brooklyn called Native.— Mitchell S. Drucker
It was totally like out of a movie — Lincoln Lawyer — the way you schooled them… They had no idea… We will definitely do more business. It was the best money we ever spent.
Mitch is an exceptionally skilled attorney whose professionalism, strategic approach, and command of the law were evident throughout all issues presented to him. Over the course of nearly two decades, I have confidently used Mitch’s services ranging from real estate transactions, to collections, to wealth management, to other personal matters; all handled with confidence and service that has never wavered. What particularly stood out was his attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to balance a strong legal strategy with genuine consideration for his client’s concerns and objectives. He has an impressive ability to evaluate complex legal issues, anticipate potential challenges, and explain available options in a way that is both comprehensive and easy to understand. Mitch’s combination of legal knowledge, sound judgment, effective communication, and dedication to his clients makes him an attorney I would confidently recommend to anyone seeking sophisticated and reliable legal representation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter is different and depends on its own facts.
Talk it through with Mitch
Bring the situation, not a diagnosis. A short conversation usually makes the next step obvious.