If your loved one has died in New York, with a valid will, trust or estate plan there, but you live in another state, you may be uncertain if you can, or if you want to, serve as executor, administrator or trustee from another part of the country. To answer the first question, New York does allow a non-resident to serve as executor or administrator of an estate within the state.
However, just because the law allows you to serve as an executor does not mean that you must. You always have the right to decline to serve. However, just because you live in another part of the country does not mean that it must be difficult or complicated to serve as executor. In many instances, you can fulfill all your duties without ever having to travel to the state.
Typically, your attorney can:
- Take care of all paperwork necessary to get you appointed as executor
- Appear on your behalf at all hearings or proceedings
- Prepare and file all documents necessary to initiate and settle the estate
- Prepare and file an accounting of all debts and assets of the estate
- Secure valuations of property, when necessary
- Notify all interested parties, including creditors and potential beneficiaries
- Ensure that all final debts and obligations of the estate are satisfied
- Verify that all necessary tax filings are completed
- Oversee the orderly distribution of the assets of the estate in accordance with the terms of the will
Contact the Law Office of Bonnie Lawston
At the Law Office of Bonnie Lawston, we focus our estate administration practice on estates subject to probate in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island. Contact our office online or call us at 631-425-7299 or C 855-479-4700 to set up a free initial consultation. We can be reached 24/7.