Probate has a way of uncovering challenges—sometimes when you least expect them. What starts as a simple effort to handle a loved one’s affairs could quickly turn into a tangle of paperwork, delays, or disagreements. If you have been named as the personal representative of an estate, you may already feel overwhelmed with this task.
At The Law Offices of Louis P. Lepore, we help families experiencing challenges during probate in Staten Island move through the process with guidance they can count on. Our skilled probate attorney understands that most people taking on this role are doing it for the first time, and we are here to help make it manageable from beginning to end.
One of the first obstacles in any probate case, including those in Staten Island, is simply finding the right paperwork. Ideally, there is a will that clearly outlines how to handle the estate, but sometimes the original document can not be found, or the version on hand is not legally valid due to errors or outdated terms. If no will is accepted, the estate may have to follow state intestacy rules instead.
Even when a will exists, questions may come up around asset ownership. Were accounts titled properly? Are all assets accounted for? Did a beneficiary designation override the will? These types of questions are common, and they could stall the process without legal help to sort them out.
Grief often makes complicated situations feel even heavier. Families that normally get along may find themselves at odds when it comes to money, property, or who should be involved. If someone believes the will was influenced unfairly or was not properly executed, they might formally challenge it. Others may be upset about how the estate is being handled or feel left out of the process.
These disagreements could create real tension and slow everything down. In some cases, they lead to legal disputes that require formal resolution. Our office helps personal representatives address these challenges and concerns calmly, clearly, and within the framework of the law during probate cases in Staten Island.
Just because a person has passed away does not mean their financial obligations disappear. Creditors could—and often do—make claims against the estate. Some are valid and expected, such as taxes or outstanding loans, while others might be unexpected or even questionable, creating challenges for the probate case in Staten Island.
One common issue that we see is medical bills arriving long after probate begins. Sorting through what must be paid, and in what order, takes care and legal knowledge. Without the right guidance, it is easy to miss a deadline or overlook an obligation that could impact heirs in the future.
Probate follows a process, and this process has rules. If paperwork is submitted late or records are incomplete, the entire estate may be delayed. This often is not about bad intentions; it is about not knowing the exact steps to take or how much detail each stage requires.
Even simple errors, such as a missed notice or incorrectly filed inventory, could trigger significant delays. We could help ensure everything is done the right way, at the right time, so the Staten Island estate can move forward without unnecessary roadblocks.
Probate does not have to be chaotic. Challenges during probate in Staten Island may show up—and they often do—but they do not have to overwhelm you. With the right support, you could feel more in control of the process and confident in your role.
At The Law Offices of Louis P. Lepore, we guide personal representatives through every step of probate. If you are managing a loved one’s estate, we are here to help you avoid pitfalls, resolve disputes, and handle the details with care. Reach out today to learn how we could support you.
(718) 354-8646