Can an Executor Sell Property of the Estate Without All Beneficiaries Approving?

Gabriel Katzner - August 17, 2026 - Probate

Key Takeaways Executors may sell estate property without all beneficiaries approving. Executors receive authority only after appointment by the probate court. Executors must follow the terms of the will when selling estate property. Administrators may sell estate property according to state probate laws. Executors must act in beneficiaries’ best interests and avoid selling below market […]

How to Get Letters of Testamentary in New York

Gabriel Katzner - February 24, 2026 - Probate

Anna lives in upstate New York. She is the only child of her recently deceased mother. Her father died nearly a decade ago. Anna is the executor of her mother’s estate. She recently made an appointment at her local bank to access her mother’s account. The bank representative said that she could not have access […]

How Long Does Probate Take in NY?

Gabriel Katzner - July 24, 2025 - Probate

If a loved one has recently passed away in New York, and you’ll soon find yourself dealing with the administrative court process known as probate, you’re likely asking, “How long does probate take in New York?” At Katzner Law Group, we help clients navigate probate with clarity, compassion, and strategic guidance. Understanding the probate timeline […]

transfer of property after death without will in california

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California?

Gabriel Katzner - April 17, 2025 - Probate

At Katzner Law Group, we often hear the question: What happens if someone dies without a will in California? Dying without a will—referred to as dying intestate—means the state decides how your estate is distributed, regardless of your personal wishes. Understanding what this means and how it impacts your loved ones is essential for anyone […]

What is a Probate Judge, and What Do They Do?

Gabriel Katzner - December 20, 2024 - Probate

A probate judge is the person legally responsible for overseeing the probate court, determining the validity of a will (if there is one), and adjudicating the process of administering an estate. A probate court judge’s responsibilities include distributing a deceased person’s assets according to the instructions in their will or following intestate law, resolving disputes […]

How Long Does the Executor Have to Pay the Beneficiaries?

Gabriel Katzner - September 6, 2024 - Beneficiary

When someone passes away and has written a last will and testament, their estate executor will distribute the deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries. An executor has many responsibilities and must follow state laws. These responsibilities and other factors can affect the estate distribution timeline and determine how long it takes for the executor to […]

What is a Small Estate Affidavit?

Gabriel Katzner - July 26, 2024 - Probate

What is a Small Estate Affidavit? Small estate affidavits are sworn legal documents that provide an alternative to formal probate. If a deceased person’s estate falls below a certain threshold, typically $100,000 or less, this option may become available. Probate, an important process that ensures the fair distribution of a deceased person’s estate and the […]

What Is a No-Contest Clause in a Will?

Gabriel Katzner - June 12, 2024 - Probate

If you are concerned that any of your beneficiaries may be disgruntled enough with their inheritance that they bring a legal challenge against your will, you can mitigate that possibility by adding a no-contest clause in your will. If you have a no-contest clause in your last will and testament, anyone who disputes the validity […]

Letters of Administration: Dying Without a Will

Gabriel Katzner - May 2, 2024 - Probate

The probate court issues letters of testamentary approving an executor of a will to manage the decedent’s estate. But what happens if someone dies without a will, also known as dying intestate? The surrogate or probate court uses letters of administration to authorize a person known as the administrator to manage the decedent’s estate. A […]

What Is a Child Entitled to When Their Parent Dies Without a Will?

Gabriel Katzner - April 19, 2024 - Probate

The death of a parent is an emotionally devastating and stressful time. Financial strains and uncertainties only compound this stress. Imagine two potential scenarios. Meghan is the only child of her wealthy parents. At age 40, the death of one of her 60-year-old parents was not even on her radar. Her father recently died suddenly […]

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