Probate is the process in which the Executor you have named in your will becomes formally appointed by the Surrogate’s Court. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according the laws of the state in which you reside at the time of death in a process called Administration.  

 

The complexity of a probate proceeding depends on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, the process is not so easy to handle on your own, especially if there are heirs that have not been included in the will.

 

An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the necessary court proceedings, determine the assets passing through the estate, and calculate the proper distribution to the beneficiaries of the estate.