Trust & Estate Lawyer in Kings County (Brooklyn), NY
New York Trust & Estate Law
New York trust and estate matters are governed by the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA). These statutes establish procedures for wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and fiduciary responsibilities. The New York estate tax applies to estates exceeding $7.35 million in 2026 under Tax Law § 951 et seq., with rates from 3.06% to 16%.
Last verified: March 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with documented case results across multiple states.
Official New York Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York estate laws, consult these official government resources:
Brooklyn Surrogate’s Court Procedures
Wills are probated through Kings County Surrogate’s Court. The court appoints executors or administrators who must serve citations to interested parties. Inventory and accounting filings are mandatory under SCPA requirements.
- File petition with Surrogate’s Court using the will and death certificate.
- Serve citation to all heirs, beneficiaries, and potential claimants.
- Obtain court appointment of executor or administrator with official letters.
- Prepare and file inventory of all estate assets with the court.
- Address creditor claims and file required tax returns.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries and file final accounting.
New York Estate Planning Requirements
In Kings County (Brooklyn), estate planning involves statutory requirements under EPTL with specific procedures for probate, taxes, and fiduciary duties.
| Document/Process | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Requirements | Tax Implications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Probate | EPTL § 3-2.1 (execution formalities) | 12-24 months | Petition, will, death certificate | NY estate tax if >$7.35M |
| Small Estate Affidavit | SCPA § 1301 (under $50,000) | Expedited | Affidavit, death certificate | Same thresholds apply |
| Estate Tax Return | Tax Law § 951 et seq. | Due 9 months after death | Form ET-706, asset valuation | 3.06%-16% rates |
| Will Contest | EPTL § 3-3.2 (grounds) | 12-24 months litigation | Objections, evidence filing | Estate frozen during contest |
Results may vary based on individual circumstances and court decisions.
Trust & Estate Experience in Brooklyn
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive experience to Kings County estate matters. Founded in 1997, our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. We have handled numerous estate administrations, will contests, and trust litigations throughout New York. Our approach focuses on thorough preparation and understanding of Surrogate’s Court procedures.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate in handled matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Brooklyn Trust & Estate Lawyer Near Me
Our New York location serves clients at Kings County (Brooklyn) courts, accessible via BQE (I-278), Atlantic Ave, and Flatbush Ave. We represent 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 for 2026?
The New York estate tax exemption is $7.35 million for 2026. However, New York has a ‘cliff effect’ — if the estate exceeds 105% of the exemption, the entire estate is taxed, not just the excess amount.
How long does probate take in Kings County Surrogate’s Court?
Probate typically takes 12-24 months in Kings County Surrogate’s Court. Small estates under $50,000 can use an expedited affidavit process. Will contests and complex administrations often extend the timeline.
What are the executor commission rates in New York?
Executor commissions in New York follow statutory rates under SCPA § 2307. The commission is calculated as a percentage of the estate value, typically 2-5% depending on the estate size and complexity.
What happens if someone contests a will in Brooklyn?
If a will is contested in Brooklyn Surrogate’s Court, the estate is frozen during litigation. The court will hear evidence on validity grounds like undue influence or lack of capacity, which can take 12-24 months to resolve.
Do I need a lawyer for estate administration in New York?
Yes. New York requires formal probate through Surrogate’s Court for most estates. An attorney prepares required documents, handles creditor claims, files tax returns, and ensures compliance with EPTL and SCPA procedures.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about estate planning in New York, visit our New York Trust & Estate Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring counties including Albany County and Broome County.
In Kings County, we handle other legal matters including business law, civil litigation, and contract disputes.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our New York location page for appointment information.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.