Staten Island, NY asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for New York

Q: My friend died and left me the house we lived in. I have the will and the death certificate. What do i do next?

Is there a time period in which this must be done?

2 Lawyer Answers
Benjamin Z. Katz
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: You must file a petition in Surrogates Court to be given power to probate the Will and administer the estate, which would include transferring the house.

Elaine Shay agrees with this answer

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

A: You must probate the will, and then transfer the house from the estate to you. The fee will depend upon the value of the house and other assets.

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