Trust & Estate Lawyer in Putnam County, NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced trust and estate representation in Putnam County, New York. Estate planning and probate matters are governed by NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA). The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our New York location serves clients throughout Putnam County by appointment only.
New York Trust & Estate Law
New York trust and estate law involves wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and estate tax planning. The primary statutes are NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to trust and estate matters in Putnam County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | NY legislature website
Official New York Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York estate laws, visit the NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (official New York Senate). For Putnam County court information, see the Putnam County Supreme Court website (official .gov domain).
Putnam County Estate Procedures
Wills are probated through Putnam County Surrogate’s Court. The court appoints an executor or administrator, issues citations to interested parties, and requires inventory and accounting.
- File the original will and petition for probate with Putnam County Surrogate’s Court.
- Issue citations to all interested parties as required by SCPA § 1403.
- The court appoints an executor (if named in will) or administrator (if no will).
- Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets within 9 months.
- File federal and NY estate tax returns if the estate exceeds exemption thresholds.
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries after creditor claims and tax clearance.
New York Estate Tax and Penalties
In Putnam County, estate administration carries potential tax liabilities and fiduciary responsibilities under NY Tax Law § 951 and EPTL.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY Estate Tax | Progressive tax | 3.06%-16% on taxable estate | Return due 9 months after death | “Cliff” effect at 105% of exemption |
| Will Contest | Surrogate’s Court proceeding | Estate frozen during litigation | 12-24 months | Examines testamentary capacity |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | SCPA proceeding | Surcharge, removal of fiduciary | Varies | Personal liability for losses |
| Probate Delays | Administrative | Executor commissions: statutory (SCPA § 2307) | 12-24 months typical | Assets inaccessible to beneficiaries |
Results may vary. Each estate matter depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While we don’t have locality-specific counts for Putnam County trust and estate matters, our firm-wide experience includes successful estate planning, probate administration, will contests, and trust litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Putnam County Service
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts. We represent clients throughout Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. Our trust and estate lawyer near Putnam County is accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, I-287, Taconic State Parkway, and Route 9.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York estate tax exemption for 2026?
The NY estate tax exemption is $6.94 million for 2026 (NY Tax Law § 951). Estates exceeding 105% of this amount face taxation on the entire estate, not just the excess.
How long does probate take in Putnam County Surrogate’s Court?
Probate typically takes 12-24 months in Putnam County. Small estates under $50,000 can use an expedited affidavit process.
What happens if someone contests a will in New York?
Will contests freeze estate distribution for 12-24 months. The Surrogate’s Court examines testamentary capacity and execution formalities under EPTL § 3-2.1.
Can I avoid probate in New York with a trust?
Yes. Properly funded revocable living trusts avoid probate. Assets transfer directly to beneficiaries per the trust terms, bypassing Surrogate’s Court.
What are the executor commissions in New York?
Executor commissions follow statutory rates under SCPA § 2307. They are calculated as a percentage of estate assets and income collected.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our New York Trust & Estate Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Albany County and Broome County. In Putnam County, we handle related matters such as business law and civil litigation. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.