Serving Clients in the New York Capital District, Albany County and the Surrounding Area
Estate and trust administration doesn’t always go smoothly. Unfortunately, disagreements between people interested in the estate or trust can, and do, arise. Often this occurs when there is opposition to the validity of a will or to the appointment of a particular person to the position of executor, administrator or trustee. Sometimes there can be objections to the way in which an executor, administrator or trustee has handled the estate or trust, such as in the accounting of the assets. Although amicable resolutions of issues are usually preferred, sometimes the disagreements result in the necessity of litigation.
We have successfully litigated estate and trust administration matters on behalf of executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries. We can represent you in the Surrogate’s Courts in counties throughout New York State, including in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren and Washington counties. If you have an estate or trust litigation issue, we can put our experience to use in representing your interests in court.
Will Contest
When a person dies with a will, it is possible to challenge the validity of that will. If the challenge is successful, then the will is deemed null and void and the person’s estate will be governed by a previous valid will or by the laws of the state. Common reasons to challenge the validity of a will are improper execution (signing), lack of mental capacity, undue influence and fraud.
Will contests require many tactical legal decisions as well as negotiation and litigation skills. Accordingly, it is critical to have representation by an attorney experienced in such proceedings. If you need legal assistance in a will contest, we have the experience to help. We can represent you in a will contest proceeding throughout New York State including in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren and Washington counties.
Objections to Accounting
An executor, administrator or trustee owes a fiduciary obligation to the beneficiaries of an estate or trust. With this fiduciary obligation comes the requirement to report, or account, to the beneficiaries concerning how the assets were handled. Sometimes there can be disagreements about how the assets of the estate or trust have been handled, which may result in the need to go to Surrogate’s Court for a resolution.
Resolutions to estate and trust accounting objections may require tactical legal decisions as well as negotiation and litigation skills. Accordingly, it is critical to have representation by an attorney experienced in such proceedings. If you need assistance with respect to an estate or trust accounting, we have the experience to help. We can represent you in estate and trust accounting matters throughout New York State including in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren and Washington counties.
Beyond Estate Litigation
At Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, we are able to support you beyond your estate litigation matters. From helping with a real estate matter, to defending you in litigation, to protecting your business interests, the strength of our team is the answer to your many legal needs.
When You Are Ready
When you are ready to schedule a consultation regarding estate litigation, please call or complete the Request a Consultation form.
