Last Will & Testament
Probate and Administration
Experience lawyer that advises and represents Testators and Executors
Mark J. Keller Esq. provides a full range of services for wills: drafting, review, amendment, revocation, execution, and probate. I provide reliable guidance for testators and executors. My experience in the Surrogate’s Court, resolving issues related to the validity of wills, enables me to provide practical advice for testators from all walks of life. Similarly, my work in the formation of wills gives us keen insight into how executors should interpret various aspects of a will that may initially seem unclear. Whether you are a person formulating an estate plan or an executor implementing a decedent’s wishes, The Law Office of Mark J. Keller can simplify many complex aspects of the tasks before you. I offer pertinent and personal legal advice to obtain the results you need in a timely manner with the least stress possible.
Executing a valid and effective Last Will & Testament
Executing a valid Last Will & Testament is rather simple; executing an effective will takes a bit more work. The Surrogate’s Court approves a will if it finds the document was executed intentionally and freely by a person of sound mind, is written in clear, unambiguous language and is signed and witnessed. That’s really the easy part. To be effective, your will must be comprehensive, covering the full range of your worldly possessions and your deepest concerns, and contemplating various contingencies. I work closely with you to memorialize your intentions completely and instructing that they are carried out in the most efficient manner possible.
Once executed, your will remains your final statement of your intentions until you amend or revoke it. I recommend reviewing your will every three to five years and updating it to reflect your current wishes.
Probate and Administration attorney – guides executors and administrators through every step of the process
Most people have never acted as an Executor or Administrator of an estate. I provide indispensable service for Executors and Administrators who have no prior experience in the Surrogate’s Court on matters that include:
- Preparing and filing the documents needed to Probate or Administer an Estate.
- Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously settling the estate
- Finding and assembling assets
- Pay creditors and claimants
- Collecting amounts owed the estate
- Closing and opening bank accounts
- Transferring assets
- Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
- Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
- Locating beneficiaries
- Proving advice when there is a dispute among beneficiaries
- Hiring experts, when appropriate
Executors and Administrators can easily make mistakes due to inexperience, stress and hasty decisions. This can be costly, as Executors and Administrators can be held personally liable for beneficiaries’ losses. I guide Executors and Administrators through every step of the process, with reliable, detailed advice so you can settle the estate as efficiently, quickly and easily as possible.
