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should be used, and protect the assets note that the IRS form 706 - the estate tax
from your heirs’ potential creditors. return - must be filed within nine months
of the death of the decedent (or within
Estate Administration the six months extension window if one
The following documents should be is timely applied for).
brought to your attorney after the demise
of a loved one: The probate or administration processes
are formal judicial proceedings which
An original or certified copy of a death take place in the decedent’s county’s
certificate (look for a raised seal) Surrogate Court. If you are the nominated
1. The original will (if any) executor, or a person eligible to serve
2. A funeral bill marked “Paid” as administrator, you should consult
3. A basic family tree with contact with your attorney and provide the
information for close relatives information and documents listed above.
Your attorney will prepare the petition
A list of assets including: for probate or administration. Filing fees
are paid on a sliding scale depending on
1. Real Estate the size of the estate.
2. Bank and Brokerage Accounts
3. Vehicles Under New York State law, certain people
4. Retirement Accounts are entitled to notice of the probate or
5. Annuities administration of the estate - namely
6. Insurance Policies the beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and “heirs
7. Valuable Collections at law” of the decedent. The probate or
administration process will be substantially
The above documents and information simplified if these individuals consent to
will assist your attorney in drafting the the relief requested in the probate or
probate or administration petition for administration petition, and waive the
your loved one’s estate. It is important to issuance of formal process. This will be
Forrester Maher Funeral Home - Page 33
