If you are a beneficiary of a trust or estate, or next-of-kin to a decedent whose estate is involved in a Surrogate’s Court probate proceeding, you should consult with a qualified attorney before signing any documents or waiving your rights.
To explain why, we’ll use the estate of a hypothetical client, John, as an example. His wife passed away 10 years ago, and he has five children.
If John dies without a will, his children are his next-of-kin, also known as his “distributees.” Under New York State law, John’s children would each be entitled to receive an equal percentage of his estate, and they would all have a right to serve as the administrator of his estate.
If John had a Last Will and Testament available at the time of his death, then the will names the beneficiaries of his estate and nominates an “executor” to handle the estate administration. No law states John must name any of his children as beneficiaries of his will or appoint any of them as executors for help settling the estate. He may also choose to disinherit his children.
Any of John’s children—regardless of whether they are named as beneficiaries in the will or named as executors—may object to the probate of the will or seek discovery to learn more about the circumstances of his estate plan and the will’s validity.
Even without a will, John’s next-of-kin has a right to object to the probate of the will or the appointment of an administrator.
Typically, the person who petitions the court to either probate the will or be appointed as administrator sends each distributee a waiver of citation or consent to probate (if there is a will) or consent to administration (if there is no will).
By executing a waiver and consent document, John’s children waive their right to a citation issued by the court and consent to the court’s appointment of the administrator or executor.
John’s children may later be barred from exercising their rights in estate proceedings in the future.
If you have received a waiver and consent document, it is important to consult with an estate planning attorney or probate attorney in New York to review the document and fully understand your rights before you waive them.
Settling an estate can be stressful and emotional, especially when it’s complicated by incapacitation and uncertainty around the will’s validity. No one wants this burden to begin with, much less with a monkey wrench thrown in. If you need help with the estate administration process, please do not hesitate to contact an estate planning attorney at Russo Law Group, P.C, with questions.
Benefit from our estate administration experience, as well as caring and compassionate staff. Consult with experienced lawyers familiar with estate planning in New York. We can ensure beneficiaries don’t unintentionally waive their rights. Contact us or take advantage of our free seminars and webinars to learn more about how Russo Law Group, P.C., may assist you with estate administration.
