Estate Litigation Lawyer in Melville

Facing a Dispute Over a New York Estate

Disputes over a loved one’s estate can surface at an already difficult time. You may be grieving, trying to honor someone’s wishes, and at the same time questioning whether a will, trust, or executor’s decisions are truly fair or valid. It can be hard to know whether you are dealing with a family disagreement that will pass or a legal problem that calls for an estate litigation attorney.

Families in and around Melville often contact The Fedele Law Group PLLC when they suspect issues such as undue influence over a vulnerable relative, sudden changes to a will, or an executor who is not being transparent. Our attorneys guide clients through New York estate disputes that involve wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships, and probate. We work to give you a clear understanding of your rights and options so you can make informed decisions in a stressful moment.

With over 45 years of combined experience focused on estate planning and elder law, our team understands both the legal rules and the family dynamics that shape these cases. We have built our practice around helping people manage assets during life and administer estates after death, so we are prepared to help when those processes do not go smoothly. If you are unsure whether your concerns about an estate rise to the level of litigation, we can review your situation and discuss possible next steps under New York law.

Take the first step toward resolving your case with a skilled estate litigation attorney. Reach out or call (631) 519-9831 now to set up your consultation.

Why Families Turn to Schneider Garrastegui & Fedele PLLC for Contested Estates

When conflict develops over an estate, families often want more than general legal advice. They want guidance from a firm that already spends its days working with wills, trusts, Medicaid planning, guardianships, and probate. At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, our work is concentrated on estate planning and elder law, so estate disputes naturally fit within the issues we handle for clients across Long Island.

Our attorneys bring more than 45 years of combined experience in these areas. This background means we have seen how planning documents are created, how they can be challenged, and how New York Surrogate’s Courts typically manage contested matters. We use that knowledge to evaluate the strength of potential claims, identify procedural issues early, and explain likely paths forward in practical terms.

Families also choose us because of how we deliver our services. We maintain a small firm feel, which allows us to know our clients and their family histories, while leveraging resources that help us address complex estates that may include multiple properties, businesses, or prior planning structures. Our three Long Island office locations make it easier for people in Melville and nearby communities to meet with us when dealing with such sensitive topics. Our team is bilingual in English and Spanish, which helps relatives who are more comfortable in Spanish fully participate in decisions about an estate.

Client satisfaction matters to us. Our ratings on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Avvo reflect our commitment to careful, personalized legal service. We strive to align our advice with each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and family dynamics, rather than offering a one size fits all approach to estate litigation. When you work with us, we focus on giving you clarity and a strategy that fits your circumstances.

Common Estate Disputes We Handle in New York

Not every disagreement about an estate requires court involvement, but some situations raise legal questions that may call for an estate litigation lawyer. Understanding the types of disputes that often arise can help you see whether your situation might involve more than a simple misunderstanding.

Contested Wills & Trust Disputes

Many cases involve challenges to the validity of a will. These disputes can center on claims that the person who signed the will lacked capacity at the time, was pressured or influenced by someone else, or did not follow required formalities. Other matters focus on trusts, such as claims that a trust was created under pressure, that changes were made late in life without a clear explanation, or that a trustee is not managing assets properly for the beneficiaries.

Executor, Trustee, and Fiduciary Conflicts

We also see conflicts involving executors and trustees who are accused of failing to provide information, mishandling funds, or favoring some beneficiaries over others. In some New York estates, earlier use of a power of attorney or guardianship affects what is left at death, leading to questions about transactions that occurred before the person passed away. Our attorneys review planning documents, account statements, and timelines to help determine whether there may be grounds to object under New York law.

Standing and remedies in these disputes depend on several factors, such as your relationship to the person who died, whether you were named in a current or prior will, and what stage the probate or administration has reached. We work to explain these issues in plain language so you understand whether litigation is an option and what it might involve.

What To Do If You Suspect a Problem With an Estate

If something about a will, trust, or executor’s conduct does not feel right, it can be tempting either to ignore your instincts or to confront family members immediately. Before taking steps that might be hard to undo, it is helpful to gather information and seek legal guidance from an estate litigation lawyer.

Gather Documents & Information

First, try to collect any documents you already have access to. These may include the will or trust, earlier versions of those documents if you have them, account statements, beneficiary designations, and written communications that raised concerns. You do not need everything to speak with an attorney, but having some records can make the first discussion more productive.

Record Events & Timelines

Second, write down a timeline of key events. Note when you became aware of changes in planning, when the person’s health declined, and when you noticed any unusual behavior or restrictions on access to your loved one. These details can be important in evaluating possible claims such as undue influence or misuse of a power of attorney.

Be Careful Before You Sign Anything

Third, be cautious about signing any releases, receipts, waivers, or other documents relating to the estate before you understand their effect. Some forms may limit your ability to challenge a fiduciary’s conduct or to question the validity of a will or trust. Once signed, these documents can be difficult to undo.

In New York Surrogate’s Courts, deadlines for filing objections or raising certain issues can be strict. For that reason, we encourage people in Melville and the surrounding area to reach out promptly if they have concerns. At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we can review your materials, listen to your account of events, and discuss whether taking legal action, seeking more information, or pursuing a different approach fits your goals.

How Our Long Island Team Approaches Estate Litigation

Estate disputes often combine legal questions with deep family history. Our attorneys work to address both. When someone contacts us about an estate conflict, we begin by listening carefully to their story and reviewing any available documents. We look at the planning structures in place, the relationships among the people involved, and the status of any probate or administration proceeding.

Thoughtful Case Evaluation and Strategy

From there, we outline potential options. These may include requesting additional information from an executor or trustee, filing objections in the appropriate Surrogate’s Court, or exploring ways to resolve disagreements through discussion before positions harden. We talk openly about potential benefits, risks, and costs of each path so that you can choose an approach that aligns with your priorities.

Integrated Knowledge of Estates and Elder Law

Because our practice at The Fedele Law Group PLLC includes estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, guardianships, and real estate matters, we understand how an estate dispute can affect other parts of your legal and financial life. For example, a contested estate in Melville might also involve questions about a family home, prior transfers for Medicaid purposes, or a closely held business. Our goal is to consider how each of these pieces fits together when advising you.

Accessible Support for Local and Out-of-State Clients

Access to our team is also important. With three Long Island offices, we can meet in person with clients whose matters are connected to this area. For clients who live out of state while an estate is being handled here, we can coordinate by phone or video while managing local filings. Our bilingual attorneys and staff communicate in English and Spanish, which helps ensure that all key family members understand what is happening and can ask questions in a language they are comfortable with.

Estate Litigation & Probate in New York: What To Expect

Understanding how contested estate matters move through New York’s system helps reduce some of the uncertainty that surrounds litigation. Many estate disputes connected to Melville are handled in the Surrogate’s Court for the county where the person lived or where the property is located. The specific steps in a case depend on the type of dispute, but there are common patterns.

Typical Steps in Contested Estate Matters

Contested probate of a will often begins when objections are filed before the court admits the will. Those objections might claim that the person lacked capacity, was unduly influenced, or that the document was not properly executed. The court typically sets conferences to manage the case, and the parties may engage in discovery, which can involve exchanging documents and taking depositions to gather information.

Disputes about executors, administrators, or trustees may involve separate petitions, such as requests for removal, accountings, or surcharges. These matters also follow a sequence of filings, court appearances, and in some cases, settlement discussions or hearings. Some cases resolve after the facts are developed and the parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions.

Timing, Cost, and Communication

Timing and cost in estate litigation vary based on factors such as the complexity of the estate, the number of interested parties, the level of conflict, and how quickly information can be gathered. Our attorneys at The Fedele Law Group PLLC work to set realistic expectations and keep you informed about what is happening and why. We explain each step before it occurs, so you are not surprised by the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have grounds to challenge a will in New York?

You may have grounds to challenge a will in New York if certain legal conditions are present. Common grounds include claims that the person who signed the will did not have the mental capacity to understand what they were doing, that someone exerted undue influence or pressure, that fraud occurred, or that the document was not properly signed and witnessed under New York law. Whether these grounds exist in your situation depends on the facts, including medical history, relationships, and the circumstances surrounding the signing. Our attorneys review these details, along with any prior planning, to help you understand whether a challenge in Surrogate’s Court may be appropriate.

How long does estate litigation usually take in this area?

Estate litigation involving families in and around Melville can range from several months to longer than a year, depending on the case. Simpler disputes, such as limited objections that are resolved through negotiation, may conclude more quickly once information is exchanged. More complex matters, such as will contests with multiple parties, extensive discovery, or related guardianship or real estate issues, often take longer. Court scheduling, the availability of witnesses, and the willingness of parties to engage in settlement discussions also influence timing. When you speak with us at The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we can offer a general sense of likely timelines based on the specific issues in your case.

Will taking legal action against an executor tear my family apart?

Taking legal action against an executor can create tension, but the impact on family relationships depends on many factors. In some cases, raising concerns early and clearly can actually prevent deeper resentment later, especially when significant assets or fairness issues are at stake. Our attorneys discuss with you how potential claims might affect relationships and whether there are steps, such as carefully worded communication or exploring negotiated solutions, that could help reduce conflict. We strive to balance protecting your legal rights with your long-term goals for family connections, and we adjust our approach based on what matters most to you.

What will it cost to hire your firm for an estate dispute?

The cost of handling an estate dispute varies based on the complexity of the matter, the amount of work required, and how the other parties respond. Some cases involve limited issues that can be addressed with targeted filings or negotiations, while others require more extensive litigation. At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we explain our fee structure at the outset and discuss how the likely value and difficulty of a case relate to potential costs. Our goal is to give you enough information so that you can weigh financial considerations along with your legal and personal objectives before deciding how to proceed.

Can you help if I live out of state, but the estate is in Melville?

Yes, we can often assist clients who live outside New York when an estate is being handled in this area. Many estates connected to Melville are administered through Surrogate’s Courts on Long Island, and our attorneys are accustomed to coordinating with beneficiaries and fiduciaries who live in other states. We can communicate by phone or video conference, share documents electronically, and handle local court appearances when needed. During an initial conversation, we can discuss how distance may affect your role in the case and what practical arrangements make sense for you.

How will your attorneys keep me informed during my case?

Clear communication is a central part of how we work with clients. When you work with The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we discuss how you prefer to receive updates, such as by phone or email, and we explain what types of developments you can expect to hear about. As your estate dispute progresses, we let you know about key filings, court dates, settlement discussions, and decisions that require your input. We aim to make sure you understand both the big picture and the smaller steps, so you are not left wondering what is happening with your case.

Can you speak with my family in Spanish about our estate dispute?

Yes, our bilingual team can communicate in Spanish with you and your family members. This can be especially important in estate matters, where everyone affected should understand their rights, options, and the potential consequences of decisions. At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we work to ensure that language is not a barrier to fully participating in discussions about a loved one’s estate. Let us know your family’s language needs when you contact us, and we can plan meetings and communications accordingly.

Talk With Our Estate Litigation Lawyers About Your Next Steps

If you are worried about how a will was created, how a trust is being managed, or how an executor is handling an estate connected to Melville, you do not have to sort through these questions alone. Speaking with an estate litigation attorney can help you understand whether your concerns raise legal issues under New York law and what options may be available.

At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, our attorneys focus on estate planning and elder law, and we bring decades of combined experience to contested estate matters on Long Island. We offer the convenience of multiple local offices, the support of a bilingual team, and a client-centered approach that takes into account both your legal rights and your family’s dynamics. Before you sign documents or make decisions that could affect your inheritance or responsibilities, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your situation.

To talk with an estate litigation attorney in Melville about your estate dispute and possible next steps, call (631) 519-9831.