Handling Estate Without Will

Summary

In New York, if someone dies without a will, the court appoints an administrator, typically the closest relative, to manage the estate. The estate is distributed according to New Yorks laws of intestacy. The process involves filing a petition in Surrogates Court, and if approved, the court issues Letters of Administration. For specific details, consulting a local estate attorney is advisable.

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My father passed away without a will. Is there a way to handle his estate without petitioning to be the administrator?
Hello ****, I'm sorry to hear about your father. The process may vary depending on your location. Could you please inform us where you are located?
Queens, NY
Hello ****, I'm sorry for your loss. In NY, if there's no will:
- The court appoints an administrator, usually the closest relative.
- Estate is distributed according to NY's laws of intestacy.
- You can't bypass court administration process.
For detailed assistance, consider consulting a local estate attorney.
How does the court appoint an administrator?
In Queens, NY, here's how a court appoints an administrator:
- A petition is filed in Surrogate's Court by the closest relative.
- The court reviews the petition.
- If approved, the court issues Letters of Administration, authorizing them to act as administrator.
For specific details, please consult with a local estate attorney.
Thank you so much
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. I'm here to help you.