In New York, if a person dies with an estate that is worth less than $30,000, the estate can be administered in an abbreviated and less costly way, in a “small estate proceeding.” The small estate proceeding can be used whether or not the decedent had a Will.

An “interested party” (someone who stands to benefit from the estate) can ask to be named a Voluntary Administrator. Under New York law, “A voluntary administrator is a person who qualifies and undertakes to settle the estate of the decedent without the formality of court administration…”

Lamson & Cutner can assist you to get through a small estate proceeding as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible, or explain how you can do it yourself. Feel free to email or call us for more information.