Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

A close friend of mine died suddently last week. He lived alone and when he failed to show up for work for three days in a row the local precinct was alerted and they sent detectives over to his apartment. His landlady let them in and he was found dead (presumably of natural causes). He was 66 years old, in good health and is survived by his sister in law two nephews and a niece. When his sister in law and nephews went to the morgue to identify the body and then tried to get access to his apartment through the precinct they were told that they needed to contact more relatives and they contacted his niece whom he hadn't seen in years. What is the next step? Do they need a lawyer?


Asked on 1/05/10, 7:56 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ellen Victor Law Office of Ellen A. Victor

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your close friend. It seems in this case that hiring an estates and trust attorney would be a good idea. Someone needs to be able to establish who the natural heirs would be, if there was a will, and if there are any assets to be distributed.

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Answered on 1/10/10, 8:41 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

I agree. If no Will is found, the closest living relatives are entitled to be appointed administartor and handle the affairs of his estate.

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Answered on 1/11/10, 5:51 pm


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