Estate Settlement Lawyer in Queens & NYC

By Roman Aminov,

Celebrated for extensive experience guiding New York families through Surrogate's Court proceedings, intestate administration, and estates handled by a Public Administrator, with hundreds of heartfelt client testimonials, Roman Aminov delivers thoughtful, individualized solutions to our clients' needs and wishes.

What Happens When No One Can Settle the Estate?

When a loved one dies without a will, or without a relative able to take charge, the estate can drift into limbo. Bank accounts freeze. Property sits unattended. Bills go unpaid. In these situations, a New York Surrogate's Court may appoint a Public Administrator, a government office that steps in when no qualified family member or named executor is available. Our team helps families navigate these cases from start to finish, so that assets are protected and rightful heirs receive what belongs to them.

We understand how disorienting it feels to learn that a stranger from a county office now controls your relative's estate. The good news is that you often still have meaningful rights. We work to assert those rights, communicate with the Public Administrator's office, and keep the process moving toward a fair result.

• Rights Protection: We identify where you stand as a potential heir and make sure your interests are represented in court.
• Direct Advocacy: We engage with the Public Administrator and opposing parties so you are not navigating the bureaucracy alone.
• Clear Communication: We translate confusing court notices into plain guidance you can act on.

How Do We Help You Prove You're an Heir?

Many of these estates hinge on a single question. Who is actually related to the person who died? When records are incomplete or relatives are scattered, the court holds a kinship hearing to confirm the family tree before distributing anything. This is one of the most demanding parts of the process, and it is where experienced representation truly earns its keep.

Our team assembles the documentary proof the court expects, from birth and marriage certificates to genealogical research and sworn affidavits. We present that evidence clearly and persuasively, building the strongest possible case for your inheritance. We have guided families through these hearings and know how to anticipate the obstacles before they arise.

• Evidence Building: We gather and organize the records needed to establish your relationship to the decedent.
• Hearing Preparation: We prepare you and any witnesses so the kinship hearing goes smoothly.
• Claim Defense: We respond to competing claims and protect your rightful share.

Can You Avoid a Public Administrator Altogether?

Here is something worth saying plainly. Most of the situations that lead to a Public Administrator are preventable. A properly drafted will names your executor and your beneficiaries, which keeps your estate out of the hands of a government office and away from costly court fights. Even when there is no will, a qualified relative can often petition to serve as administrator and keep control within the family.

We help clients on both sides of this issue. If you are planning ahead, we draft documents that spare your family the uncertainty of intestacy. If a relative has already passed and the estate is heading toward a Public Administrator, we move quickly to determine whether a family member can step in instead. Acting early frequently makes the difference.

• Estate Planning: We prepare wills and related documents that keep your wishes in control, not a default state formula.
• Administrator Petitions: We help eligible relatives apply to manage the estate themselves where possible.
• Early Intervention: We assess your options before a Public Administrator becomes the only path forward.

Why Families Across New York Trust Our Team

Estate matters are rarely just about money. They arrive during grief, often alongside family tension and a tangle of paperwork no one feels ready for. We bring decades of combined experience in Surrogate's Court across Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Nassau, and Suffolk, and we handle each case with the patience and care these moments demand.

When you work with us, you get a steady hand through every stage, from the first court filing to the final distribution. We explain your choices, protect your interests, and stay accessible when questions come up. That combination of skill and genuine attention is why so many New York families return to us and refer their friends.

• Local Knowledge: We know the Surrogate's Courts and their procedures throughout the New York City area and beyond.
• Full Representation: We handle administration, kinship hearings, accountings, and disputes under one roof.
• Personal Attention: We treat your family's estate with the same care we would want for our own.

Call us today at (347) 766-2685 or visit https://aminovlaw.com/ to schedule a free consultation.