You've just lost someone. Now you've been named executor, and you're being told there's a court process involved — with deadlines, filings, creditor notices, and tax returns due. You're responsible for getting it right, and you don't know where to start.
Or perhaps you're earlier in the process — planning your own estate — and you've heard that probate is something to avoid. Either way, you've come to the right place.
We handle probate administration in New York, Washington DC, and Maryland — three different courts with three different procedures and timelines. We guide executors through every stage of the process, manage the legal filings, coordinate tax returns, and get the estate closed so your family can have closure.
The Plan
How We Guide You Through Probate
1
Free Consultation — Review the Estate, Court, and Timeline
We review the will, the assets, the state's filing requirements, and your role as executor. You leave with a clear picture of what probate will involve, how long it will take, and what it will cost — with no surprises later.
2
We Handle the Legal Process — Filings, Creditors, and Tax Returns
We prepare and file everything: the petition to open the estate, inventory and appraisal, creditor notifications, estate income tax returns (Form 1041), and state estate tax returns where required. You focus on your family; we handle the court.
3
Estate Settled — Assets Distributed, Estate Closed
Once all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid, we distribute the estate to beneficiaries per the will, file the final accounting with the court, and close the estate. Your role as executor is complete.
Select Your State
Probate by Jurisdiction
Each state's probate court has its own procedures, timelines, and filing requirements. Select your state for specific details.
The Process
What Probate Involves
Probate administration follows a defined sequence in all three jurisdictions. Here is what to expect at each stage.
1
File the Will & Open the Estate
File the original will with the appropriate court, petition to admit it to probate, and qualify the executor — who receives court authority to act on the estate's behalf.
2
Inventory & Appraise Assets
Identify, inventory, and appraise all probate assets. Real estate requires a formal appraisal; business interests and unusual assets may require specialized valuations.
3
Notify Creditors & Manage Claims
Notify known creditors by mail and publish notice in a newspaper. Evaluate, accept, or object to claims against the estate. All three jurisdictions impose a statutory minimum creditor claim period.
4
File Tax Returns
File the decedent's final income tax return, estate income tax return (Form 1041), and federal and state estate tax returns if applicable. NY, DC, and MD each have separate filing requirements and deadlines.
5
Distribute & Close the Estate
Distribute estate assets to beneficiaries after all debts, expenses, and taxes are paid. File a final accounting with the court and formally close the estate.
While you're here: avoid this for your own estate
If you're administering a loved one's estate, you know firsthand how difficult this process is. This is the right time to ensure your own estate avoids it. A properly funded revocable trust passes assets to your beneficiaries entirely outside of probate court. We offer a combined engagement — handling the current estate while setting up the right plan for your own future.
Learn about revocable trusts → Your Attorney
Estate Planning Counsel
SV
Sunil Varghese
Georgetown Law · Partner, Estate Planning
New York Bar DC Bar Maryland Bar
Sunil handles probate and estate administration in all three jurisdictions. He advises executors on their duties, guides estates through each court's procedures, and coordinates estate tax filings with the estate's CPAs.
View Full Profile → Common Questions About Probate
How long does probate take?
New York Surrogate's Court: 9–18 months for a typical contested estate; 6–9 months for uncontested. DC Superior Court Probate: 6–12 months. Maryland Orphans' Court: 9–12 months, with a mandatory 6-month creditor claim period. Complex estates with contested wills, tax issues, or business interests take longer.
How much does probate cost?
Probate fees vary by state and estate size. In New York, attorney fees are typically 2–5% of the probate estate. In Maryland and DC, fees are set by statute or negotiated. Court filing fees, executor commissions, and appraiser fees add to the total. For a $1M estate, expect $20,000–$50,000 in total probate costs depending on complexity.
Can probate be avoided?
Yes, for many estates. A properly funded revocable trust passes assets to beneficiaries without probate. Jointly held property, accounts with beneficiary designations (POD/TOD), and retirement accounts also avoid probate.
What if there's no will?
Intestate probate proceeds under each state's default distribution rules. The court appoints an administrator (rather than an executor named in a will) and distributes the estate to heirs in a fixed legal order. This process is typically more contentious and expensive than testate probate.
What is the executor's role?
The executor (called "personal representative" in MD and DC) is responsible for: filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising estate assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, filing estate tax returns if required, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries. We guide executors through each step.
Handling a loved one's estate? Schedule a free consultation or select your state above for jurisdiction-specific information.
Estate Planning Notice: Estate planning laws vary by state and change frequently. This website provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. A consultation with an attorney licensed in your state is required for legal advice tailored to your situation. Wills and trusts must be executed in accordance with state law or they may be invalid. The information on this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
