Rockville Centre, NY asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for New York

Q: Who's job is it to get the property deed and change the title, my lawyer, the probate lawyer or the sole heir/executor?

I couldn't find the house deed. My lawyer's P.L. said they could for $500. I eventually paid $10 for an official copy at town hall. I'm still not sure how to change the title, I don't understand the included instructions. My lawyer said he could help. I've paid them approx $9-12K for both our wills and probate, and thought it would be included. Neither of our lawyers (same firm) was crystal clear why they wanted copies/$amt. of all assets (incl'g house + my beneficiary $). I think their Probate fee was a % of the total + costs. I paid for every phone call/question re me from mom's BF (also a client), primarily re "not wanting to be executor" if I defaulted/declined/died. Though it was cut + dry Probate took 4mos. I've got 2+ years to live + my will needs to be redone in TX, where I reside. I'm still in NY due to cancer treatment for the 6x and transplant evaluation. What other jobs were/are theirs'? I'm uncomfortable asking/confronting them, I complained re the phone calls etc. Help

2 Lawyer Answers
Nina Whitehurst
PREMIUM
Nina Whitehurst pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Crossville, TN

A: There is no way any attorney in this forum can answer your question without reviewing your various engagement letters with your NY attorney because the answer depends entirely on the scope of those engagements and the fees quoted.

Benjamin Z. Katz agrees with this answer

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Your post indicates that there is unfinished work and your lawyer is not doing it. Get a new lawyer. Waiting will make things harder.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.