Trust & Estate Lawyer in Nassau County, NY
In Nassau County, wills are probated through the Surrogate’s Court, where an executor or administrator is appointed, citation is issued to interested parties, and inventory and accounting are required by law.
New York Trust & Estate Law
New York trust and estate law involves the creation, management, and distribution of assets during life and after death. The primary statutes are the NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA). These laws establish rules for wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and fiduciary duties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies this legal framework to protect clients’ legacies in Nassau County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | NY Senate website
Official New York Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York estate laws, refer to these official .gov resources:
Nassau County Estate Procedure
Estate matters in Nassau County are handled through the Surrogate’s Court. The process requires strict adherence to statutory timelines and court procedures.
- File the will and petition for probate with the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court. Pay the required filing fee based on estate value.
- Obtain letters testamentary (if there’s a will) or letters of administration (if no will) from the court, granting authority to the executor or administrator.
- Notify creditors by publishing in a local newspaper and serve citation on all heirs and beneficiaries as required by law.
- Inventory all estate assets, pay valid debts and expenses, and file any required state and federal estate tax returns within 9 months of death.
- Distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the will or, if no will, according to New York’s intestacy laws.
- File a final accounting with the court detailing all financial activity and obtain a judicial decree approving the executor’s actions.
Nassau County Estate Planning & Probate Overview
In Nassau County, trust and estate matters involve specific legal standards, including New York’s unique estate tax ‘cliff’ and statutory executor commissions.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Timeline | Financial Impact | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probate | Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) | 12-24 months | Court filing fees based on estate value | Executor/Administrator appointment required |
| Will Contest | EPTL § 3-2.1 (Will Validity) | 12-24 months | Estate frozen during litigation | Burden of proof on contestant |
| Estate Tax | NY Tax Law § 951 et seq. | Return due 9 months after death | 3.06% – 16% on taxable estate over $6.94M (2026) | “Cliff effect” taxes entire estate if over 105% of exemption |
| Executor Commission | SCPA § 2307 | Payable upon court approval of accounting | Statutory percentage of estate value | 5% on first $100,000, 4% on next $200,000, etc. |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | EPTL Article 11 | Varies by case complexity | Surcharge, removal, potential personal liability | High standard of care required |
Results may vary. Each estate matter depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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 estate planning and probate matters. With a documented history of case results, the firm’s approach is guided by the principle of ‘Global advocacy. Local precision.’ Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping estate and family property law.
Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%+.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Nassau County Trust & Estate Lawyer Near Me
Our New York location serves clients at Nassau County courts, accessible via I-495 (LIE), Northern State Parkway, and Southern State Parkway. We are a trust and estate lawyer near Mineola, Garden City, and other Nassau County communities.
We serve Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, and Syosset.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Availability: 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 taxable estate exceeds 105% of the exemption, the entire estate is taxed, not just the excess amount.
How long does probate take in Nassau County Surrogate’s Court?
Probate in Nassau County typically takes 12 to 24 months. For small estates valued under $50,000, an expedited small estate affidavit process is available, which can significantly reduce the timeline.
What are the executor commission rates in New York?
Executor commissions in New York are statutory under SCPA § 2307. The rates are graduated based on the estate value: 5% on the first $100,000, 4% on the next $200,000, 3% on the next $700,000, and 2.5% on amounts over $1 million.
When is the New York estate tax return due?
The New York estate tax return (Form ET-706) is due 9 months after the date of death. This deadline is strict, and extensions may be requested under certain circumstances.
What happens during a will contest in Nassau County?
During a will contest, the estate is typically frozen while the Surrogate’s Court examines the will’s validity. The process involves citation to interested parties, discovery, and potentially a trial, often taking 12-24 months to resolve.
Related Legal Resources
New York Trust & Estate Lawyer – Our state-level hub page for estate planning and probate in New York.
Albany County Trust & Estate Lawyer – Information for estate matters in Albany County, New York.
Nassau County Business Lawyer – Legal services for business succession planning and entity formation in Nassau County.
Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about founding attorney Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.