New York State has specific laws that cover the distribution of a decedent’s assets if he or she dies without a will. The law also determines the selection of the person who will act as “Administrator” of the estate and have the authority to handle estate matters. However, this does not happen automatically, and someone must petition the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled to be appointed as “Administrator.” A consultation with an attorney who practices in the area of probate or trusts and estates can be very helpful in this situation.
By Esther Schwartz Zelmanovitz
