Estate Litigation Attorney in New York

Helping Families Across NYC, Long Island & Westchester Resolve Will, Trust & Inheritance Disputes

When someone passes away and a dispute erupts over their estate, you need an estate litigation attorney who knows New York law and fights for families, not corporations.

Our firm represents individuals throughout the New York metro area in will contests, trust disputes, executor conflicts, and inheritance claims. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Long Island, or Westchester, we handle these matters in every local Surrogate’s Court.

Call (212) 920-6371 for a free consultation.

What Is Estate Litigation?

Estate litigation refers to legal disputes over a deceased person’s will, trust, or inheritance. When families can’t agree, or someone has acted improperly, these matters go before New York’s Surrogate’s Courts.

As experienced attorneys, we handle:

Wills changed under suspicious circumstances
Trustees or executors who refuse to communicate or account for assets
Siblings fighting over inheritances
Family members unfairly disinherited
Missing or mismanaged estate assets
Complex estate litigation involving businesses, real estate, or high-value assets

If any of this sounds familiar, contact us to discuss your options.

Will Contests: Challenging a Suspicious Will

You knew your loved one. You knew what they wanted. But the will doesn’t match, and you suspect someone took advantage of them.

Our will dispute lawyers challenge wills based on:

Undue influence: Someone pressured your loved one into changing their will
Lack of capacity: Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or illness affected their judgment
Fraud: They were deceived about what they were signing
Improper execution: The will wasn’t signed or witnessed correctly under New York law

Strict deadlines apply. New York law limits when you can contest a will after it’s filed with the Surrogate’s Court. If you have concerns, speak with an attorney immediately.

We also represent executors and beneficiaries defending against unfounded will challenges.

Trust and Estate Litigation: Trustee Misconduct

Trusts should protect families. But when a trustee mismanages money, plays favorites, or hides information, beneficiaries pay the price.

Common trust problems we handle:

Trustees refusing to provide accountings
Self-dealing, where trustees use trust funds for personal benefit
Unequal treatment of beneficiaries
Indefinite delays in distributions
Ambiguous trust terms causing conflict

Our team holds trustees accountable. We compel accountings, recover misused funds, and petition courts to remove bad actors.

Who resolves disputes over trust distributions? In New York, the Surrogate’s Court oversees trust disputes. We guide you through every step.

Executor Problems: When the Person in Charge Won’t Act Right

The executor should manage the estate fairly and keep beneficiaries informed. When they don’t, you have legal options.

Warning signs you may need legal help:

No communication or updates about the estate
Months pass with no progress
Assets sold below value or to insiders
Executor paying themselves excessive fees
Money missing with no explanation

Our estate litigation lawyers file petitions to compel accountings, challenge misconduct, and remove executors who breach their duties.

Inherited Property Disputes

When multiple family members inherit property together, conflict often follows. One wants to sell. Another wants to keep it. Someone’s living there rent-free.

We help families resolve:

Partition actions: Forcing a sale when co-owners disagree
Buyouts: Negotiating terms for one heir to purchase others’ shares
Occupancy disputes: Compensation when one person lives in shared property without paying
Executor authority conflicts: Disagreements about selling estate real estate

These disputes are personal, but they’re also legal matters with deadlines. Our team handles inherited property conflicts across NYC and Long Island.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

Contact our estate litigation law firm if:

A will or trust changed shortly before death
You were unexpectedly disinherited
A caregiver or new family member received a disproportionate share
The executor or trustee is stonewalling you
Assets appear missing or were transferred suspiciously before death
You’re being pressured to sign documents that don’t seem right

Don’t wait. Deadlines in New York are strict. Once they pass, you may lose your rights, even with a strong case.

Why Local Experience Matters

Each Surrogate’s Court in New York operates differently. The judges, procedures, and pace vary by county. You need attorneys who know your local court.

We practice regularly in:

Manhattan Surrogate’s Court: High-value estates, complex family dynamics
Brooklyn Surrogate’s Court: Diverse families, multi-generational disputes
Queens Surrogate’s Court: Large immigrant communities, property conflicts
Bronx Surrogate’s Court: Hands-on advocacy for families
Nassau County Surrogate’s Court: Long Island estate matters
Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court: Eastern Long Island estates
Westchester County Surrogate’s Court: Northern suburb matters

How We Handle Your Case

Honest Evaluation: We review your documents and tell you straight whether you have a case. No pressure, no sugarcoating.

Strategic Approach: Not every dispute needs trial. When estate litigation mediation makes sense, we pursue it. When the other side is unreasonable, we litigate aggressively.

Clear Communication: You’ll know what’s happening. We return calls and explain things in plain English.

Transparent Fees: We discuss costs upfront. Hourly, flat fee, or contingency arrangements depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate litigation?

Estate litigation is the legal process for resolving disputes over a deceased person’s will, trust, or inheritance. This includes will contests, trust disputes, executor misconduct claims, and conflicts among beneficiaries. In New York, these cases are heard in Surrogate’s Court.

What is probate litigation?

Probate litigation refers specifically to disputes during the probate process: the court-supervised administration of someone’s estate. Common matters include challenging a will’s validity, objecting to an executor’s accounting, or petitioning to remove an executor.

What is trust litigation?

Trust litigation involves disputes over the creation, administration, or termination of trusts. This includes claims against trustees for breach of fiduciary duty, challenges to a trust’s validity, and conflicts among beneficiaries about distributions.

How long does estate litigation take?

It depends on complexity and whether the case settles. Simple disputes may resolve in months. Contested cases going to trial can take one to two years.

How much does an estate litigation lawyer cost?

Fees vary based on your case. We offer hourly billing, flat fees, or contingency arrangements. We’ll discuss options during your free consultation.

Can estate disputes settle without trial?

Yes. Many resolve through negotiation or mediation. Settlement saves time, money, and family relationships, but only works when both sides negotiate in good faith.

Can an executor or trustee be removed?

Yes. If they’ve breached their duties, mismanaged assets, or refused to communicate, the court can remove them. We handle removal petitions throughout New York.

Talk to an Estate Litigation Attorney Today

Facing a will contest, trust dispute, or inheritance conflict? Our firm represents individuals and families (not corporations) across New York.

We serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.

Call (516) 518-8586 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.