Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 7, 2025

I'm very sorry for your loss. Navigating the legal process after the unexpected passing of a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when trying to secure their personal property.

In New York, when someone passes away without a will, the distribution of their property follows the... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 30, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Navigating the process of accessing a deceased relative’s assets, especially across jurisdictions, can be stressful and confusing.

In New York, if someone dies without a will, their estate must go through a process called administration,... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2025

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this confusing and stressful situation. Questions about identity, adoption, and inheritance can be deeply personal and legally complex, especially when records appear inconsistent.

In New York, once an adoption is finalized, the adopted individual... View More

There are at least two issues:

1. Who is/are the owner(s) on the current Deed to the property - I recommend examining the Deed to see the form of ownership. If someone else is on the Deed, then that person's rights would have to be determined which might impact your claim. If you are... View More

If your son had no Will, the laws of intestacy control who takes his estate. If he was married when he died and left no children, then his wife would be the sole beneficiary of his estate. if your son owed you money, then you could file a claim against the estate, but you would have to be able to... View More

Anthony M. Avery Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

Was his Will probated? If it was then you are the owner if Husband owned anything to convey. More than likely you take as the surviving spouse, not through the Will Devise. Whatever the case, apparently you are the owner and should convey the property to the Trustee of the Trust. Absolutely... View More

While your 5-year visitor visa allows you to be in the U.S. temporarily, it does not offer a path to lawful permanent residence. If your father had filed an immigration petition on your behalf before his passing, humanitarian reinstatement may be available — but it typically requires a close U.S.... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2025

Joint bank accounts are considered property of the survivor. When your mother died, according to what you said, the joint bank account became the sole property of her sister-in-law. If you paid for her funeral, you are entitled to be reimbursed from estate assets. The bank account is not an estate... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2025

To change the ownership of a property deed in New York after the death of one owner and with the consent of a living owner, you must follow specific legal steps. The process will depend in part on how the current deed is titled and whether the deceased owner’s interest passed through a will,... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 18, 2025

Under New York law, an unwitnessed will, such as the one you described, is generally not considered valid. New York requires that most wills be executed in a specific manner to be legally recognized. According to New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law (EPTL) § 3-2.1, a valid will must be:... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 21, 2025

I am sorry you are dealing with this situation during what must be a difficult time. Questions about financial transactions made shortly before someone’s death, especially by someone in a position of trust, can raise serious legal concerns, particularly when large sums of money are involved.... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 21, 2025

I’m sorry for your loss, and it is understandable that you want to ensure everything is handled properly with your mother’s estate. Since you have been appointed as the administrator by the Surrogate’s Court and received letters of administration, you are the person legally authorized to... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 30, 2025

I am sorry for your loss and the distress this situation has caused. In New York, organ and tissue donation is regulated by the Public Health Law, specifically Article 43. Consent is a central requirement. No organ or tissue donation may be carried out unless the donor provided legally valid... View More

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your first step in seeking legal redress would be to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. You can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. Although New York's highest court has answered in the negative the... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 2, 2025

I understand that navigating a divorce while also dealing with your husband’s declining health and concerns about his mental capacity can be incredibly stressful. It’s even more difficult when significant financial assets have been spent and you’re unsure of your legal options moving forward.... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2025

I'm sorry you're facing this situation—it can be deeply upsetting to discover that family members may have transferred or sold property without any legal authority. Based on the facts you've shared, it appears that your late father passed away intestate (without a will), and the... View More

I handle insurance matters, but not probate and estate matters. However, you posted a week ago and your question straddles both categories. It could be worth considering a consult with your attorney handling the estate to review your arrangements. Depending on the amount and importance of the... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 20, 2025

I understand that navigating legal matters as an executor can be overwhelming, especially when trying to manage an estate while ensuring compliance with court rules. While it may seem practical to represent the estate Pro Se in federal court, unfortunately, an executor cannot do so, even if all... View More

If the foreclosure was just filed (as your questions suggests) it may not yet be the right to to consider a bankruptcy; especially if that is the only issue you are trying to resolve. If by "paperwork" you were referring to a notice of a sale, then that is a different story and you may... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 16, 2025

I understand that you want to honor your former wife’s wishes and ensure that this young woman has the opportunity to confirm her potential relationship with her. Since there are no legal proceedings underway and your former wife did not leave a formal estate or legal documents outlining her... View More