Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

NO beneficiary named

My father legally divorced passed away and left two children. No will, no designated beneficiaries on insurance, 401K, etc.

Is there any way that his children can avoid the money going into probate/the estate? He has debt that needs to be paid off.


Asked on 5/17/08, 8:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Anthony Park Anthony S. Park, PLLC

Re: NO beneficiary named

Some 401k plan administrators and insurance companies may accept lesser proof of heirship (e.g., an affidavit, etc.), but in all likelihood you'll have to obtain letters of administration from the local Surrogate's Court.

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Answered on 5/18/08, 11:34 am
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: NO beneficiary named

If your father died without a will, without a spouse and with two children, under the intestacy laws the property would be divided equally between the children.

Filing a petition in Surrogate's Court for an intestate proceeding is not difficult and not time consuming. Feel free to contact the undersigned for a consult.

Mike.

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Answered on 5/18/08, 12:40 pm


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