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Trust & Estate Lawyer in Kings County (Brooklyn), NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced trust and estate representation in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, handling wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration under NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL). The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our New York location serves clients throughout Brooklyn by appointment only.
New York estate planning requires careful attention to state-specific laws, including the $6.94 million estate tax exemption and the “cliff effect” for estates exceeding 105% of this amount (NY Tax Law § 951 et seq.).
New York Trust & Estate Law
New York trust and estate matters are governed primarily by the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA). These statutes outline the legal framework for creating wills and trusts, appointing executors and trustees, administering estates through probate, and resolving disputes in Surrogate’s Court. The New York estate tax system features a fixed exemption amount that is not portable between spouses, creating unique planning challenges for married couples with combined assets.
Last verified: March 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature EPTL
Official New York Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York’s trust and estate statutes: NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) § 1-1.1 et seq. (official New York State Legislature). For Kings County court procedures: Kings County Supreme Court, Surrogate’s Court Division (official New York Courts website).
Kings County Surrogate’s Court Procedures
Wills are probated through the Kings County Surrogate’s Court located at 360 Adams Street in Brooklyn. The court appoints executors or administrators, issues citations to interested parties, and oversees the inventory and accounting process required for estate administration. Trust administration follows EPTL guidelines, with trustees holding fiduciary duties to beneficiaries.
- File the will and petition for probate: Submit the original will, death certificate, and petition to the Kings County Surrogate’s Court to initiate the probate process and appoint an executor.
- Serve citation to interested parties: The court issues a citation to all heirs, beneficiaries, and potential creditors, providing legal notice of the probate proceeding.
- Inventory estate assets and debts: The executor must identify, value, and secure all estate assets, while also identifying valid creditor claims against the estate.
- File estate tax returns if required: For estates exceeding the NY exemption, file both federal (IRS Form 706) and New York estate tax returns within 9 months of death.
- Distribute assets and file final accounting: After paying debts and taxes, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries and file a final accounting with the Surrogate’s Court for approval.
New York Estate Tax & Fiduciary Responsibilities
In Kings County (Brooklyn), New York estate tax applies a 3.06% to 16% graduated rate on taxable estates exceeding $6.94 million, with the “cliff effect” taxing the entire estate if it exceeds 105% of the exemption.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Financial Impact | Court Oversight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probate Administration | Formal Proceedings | 12-24 months | Court fees + executor commissions (SCPA § 2307) | Kings County Surrogate’s Court |
| Small Estate Affidavit | Expedited Process | 1-3 months | Minimal filing fees | Limited court involvement |
| Will Contest | Estate Litigation | 12-24 months | Estate frozen during litigation | Surrogate’s Court trial |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | Surrogate’s Court Proceeding | Varies | Surcharge, removal, personal liability | Judicial determination |
| NY Estate Tax Return | Tax Filing Requirement | Due 9 months after death | 3.06%-16% on taxable estate | NY Department of Taxation |
Results may vary. Estate outcomes depend on individual circumstances, asset complexity, and court procedures.
Firm Credentials & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to trust and estate matters in New York. With a documented history of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we apply this extensive background to New York estate planning and administration challenges.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
Case Results & Client Outcomes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC. While specific Kings County trust and estate results are not separately tracked, the firm’s extensive experience with complex legal matters informs our approach to New York estate planning, probate administration, and fiduciary disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your matter.
Trust & Estate Lawyer Near Kings County (Brooklyn)
Our New York location represents clients at Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. We serve clients throughout Brooklyn neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York estate tax exemption amount?
The New York estate tax exemption is $6.94 million for 2026 (NY Tax Law § 951 et seq.). Estates exceeding 105% of this amount face the ‘cliff effect,’ where the entire estate is taxed, not just the excess.
How long does probate take in Kings County Surrogate’s Court?
Probate in Kings County typically takes 12 to 24 months. The timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether any will contests are filed under the NY Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA).
What happens if someone dies without a will in New York?
They die intestate. New York’s intestacy laws (EPTL § 4-1.1) dictate asset distribution to surviving spouses, children, and other relatives. The Surrogate’s Court appoints an administrator, which can lengthen the probate process.
Can an executor be paid for their services in New York?
Yes. Executors are entitled to statutory commissions under SCPA § 2307. The fee is a percentage of the estate’s value and assets received/paid out, providing compensation for their time and effort.
What is a ‘small estate’ affidavit in New York?
For estates valued under $50,000, a small estate affidavit (SCPA § 1301) can be used to transfer assets without formal probate. This expedited process avoids Surrogate’s Court proceedings for qualifying estates.
Related Legal Resources
New York Trust & Estate Lawyer | Albany County Estate Lawyer | Kings County Business Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile | New York Law Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.