Estate Litigation Lawyer in Long Island

Guiding Families Through Complex Estate Disputes With Clarity and Care

If you are facing a dispute over a will, trust, or estate, you are likely dealing with grief and family tension at the same time. You may suspect that something is not right with the way an estate is being handled, or you may already be involved in a conflict that feels overwhelming. In these moments, having an experienced estate litigation attorney to guide you can make a meaningful difference in how you move forward.

At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we focus our practice on estate planning, elder law, and related estate administration matters in New York. Our attorneys draw on more than 45 years of combined experience with wills, trusts, guardianships, Medicaid planning, and probate to help families navigate disputes that arise after a loved one’s death or during incapacity. We understand that behind every contested document there is a real family with a history, and our goal is to provide steady guidance that respects both your rights and your relationships.

With three offices on Long Island and a bilingual team serving clients in English and Spanish, we work to make it easier for you to sit down with us, share your concerns, and understand your options. If you are unsure about your next step, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we may be able to help.

Rely on the expertise of a skilled estate litigation attorney in Long Island. Contact us or call (631) 519-9831 now to arrange your consultation without delay.

Why Families Turn To Our Firm For Estate Disputes

Estate litigation is different from many other types of legal conflict. The issues often reach back over years of family dynamics, medical decisions, and financial planning, and they surface at a time when emotions are already high. Families who come to us want attorneys who understand not only New York law, but also the realities of aging, caregiving, and inheritance here.

Our firm is hyper-focused on estate planning, elder law, and probate-related matters. We are not a general practice that occasionally handles a contested will. Instead, our daily work involves planning and administering estates, creating and reviewing trusts, helping clients with powers of attorney and health care directives, and addressing long-term care and Medicaid planning. This background gives us insight into how disputes arise, what documents mean in practice, and where to look when something does not appear to reflect a person’s true wishes.

Collectively, our attorneys have more than 45 years of experience with estates and elder law. Over those decades, we have helped clients work through a wide range of family and financial situations, from modest estates to more complex holdings. Our small firm structure means you know who is working with you and can reach us with questions, while our resources allow us to address matters that involve detailed financial records, multiple parties, or complicated planning histories.

People also choose us because of how we treat them. Our client-centered approach focuses on listening carefully, explaining options in straightforward language, and aligning our legal strategy with your goals and family dynamics. High ratings on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Avvo reflect the value our clients place on that combination of knowledge and personal attention. With three locations across Long Island and a bilingual team, we strive to make quality counsel accessible to families throughout the region.

Common Estate Litigation Issues We Help Resolve

Every estate dispute has its own story, but certain patterns come up again and again. Understanding the types of issues we handle can help you see where your situation fits and when it may be time to speak with an estate litigation lawyer in Long Island.

Contested Wills

Contested wills are one of the most familiar forms of estate litigation. These matters may involve questions about whether a loved one had the mental capacity to sign the will, whether someone exerted undue influence or pressure, or whether the document was executed properly under New York law. Sometimes there are multiple wills, and family members disagree about which one should control. In other situations, beneficiaries believe the will does not reflect what the person said they wanted during life.

Trust & Fiduciary Disputes

Trust disputes are also common, particularly when a trust holds the family home, business interests, or significant investment accounts. Beneficiaries may be concerned about how a trustee interprets the trust language, the timing and amount of distributions, or the fees being charged. Trustees may face accusations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, or self-dealing, even when they believe they have acted in good faith. Our role is to review the trust, the history of administration, and the surrounding circumstances, then help you understand your rights and options.

We also see conflicts between beneficiaries and fiduciaries such as executors, administrators, and trustees. Disputes can arise over accountings, the sale of property, payment of debts, or the pace of administration. Co-executors or co-trustees may disagree with each other, or blended families may experience tension between a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship. We work with beneficiaries, heirs, and fiduciaries to address these conflicts through negotiation or, when needed, through the Surrogate’s Court process.

What To Do If You Suspect A Problem With An Estate

When you start to feel that something is wrong with an estate or trust, it can be hard to know what to do next. Speaking up may feel disloyal, but staying silent can put your rights at risk. Taking careful, informed steps early can protect both your legal position and your relationships as much as possible.

Steps For Beneficiaries & Heirs

If you are a beneficiary or heir, it can be helpful to gather relevant documents, such as copies of any wills, trusts, or account statements you already have, and to keep notes of important conversations or events. Avoid signing releases, waivers, or settlement agreements until you have a clear understanding of what they mean. It may be tempting to confront a family member directly or to stop cooperating with the process, but actions taken in the heat of the moment can make solutions more difficult later.

Steps For Executors, Administrators & Trustees

If you are serving as an executor, administrator, or trustee and someone is raising concerns, documentation is essential. Keeping organized records of decisions, communications, and estate transactions can support your position and reduce misunderstandings. Remaining transparent and neutral, within the bounds of your legal duties, helps demonstrate that you are acting for the benefit of the estate or trust as a whole.

New York law and the Surrogate’s Courts in this area set specific deadlines for challenging wills, objecting to accountings, and bringing certain claims. Once those time periods pass, options may become limited, regardless of the underlying facts. An early consultation with our firm can help you understand which deadlines may apply and what immediate steps make sense in your circumstances.

Our attorneys can review your documents, listen to your concerns, and explain potential paths forward. Whether you ultimately decide to pursue litigation, seek a negotiated solution, or take a wait-and-see approach, having clear legal guidance early can make difficult choices more manageable.

How Estate Litigation Works In New York Surrogate’s Court

Many clients tell us that the court process feels mysterious and intimidating at first. Understanding how estate litigation typically unfolds in the Surrogate’s Court can make the path ahead feel more manageable and help you prepare for what is likely to come.

Where Cases Are Heard On Long Island

Most probate and estate disputes on Long Island are heard in Nassau County Surrogate's Court or Suffolk County Surrogate's Court. The specific court generally depends on where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. A contested matter might begin when someone files objections to the probate of a will, challenges the appointment of a fiduciary, or raises issues about how an estate or trust is being administered.

Typical Stages Of A Contested Matter

Once a dispute is underway, the process often includes several stages. There may be initial conferences to identify the issues, followed by discovery where parties exchange documents and, in some cases, conduct depositions. Motions can be filed to address legal questions, narrow the issues, or resolve parts of the case. Throughout this period, courts often encourage settlement discussions, and many matters are resolved through negotiated agreements that are placed on the record or approved by the court.

Only a portion of cases proceed to a full evidentiary hearing or trial, although that possibility should be considered when planning a strategy. Timing can be affected by the complexity of the estate, the number of parties, the need for expert input, and the court’s docket. An estate litigation attorney on Long Island can help you navigate each step, from the first filing to any hearings, and can keep you informed about what to expect.

At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, we appear regularly in the Surrogate’s Courts serving this region. We work to explain each stage in plain language, help you prepare for your role as a beneficiary or fiduciary, and keep you updated as your matter moves forward. Our aim is to reduce surprises and give you the information you need to make thoughtful decisions at each point in the process.

Our Approach To Resolving Estate Disputes

No two families or estates are alike, so our priority is to understand your particular situation. When you come to us with an estate dispute, we take time to learn about the planning documents, the family history, and your goals. Some clients want to ensure their loved one's intent is honored, others are focused on protecting assets, and many want to balance legal rights with long-term relationships.

Seeing The Full Estate & Family Picture

Because we concentrate on estate planning and elder law, we often have insight into how the documents at issue were created and how they interact with other parts of a person’s plan. We look at factors such as prior powers of attorney, lifetime gifts, beneficiary designations, and health care decisions, since these pieces often play a role in litigation. This broader perspective helps us identify strengths and weaknesses in a case and consider how a dispute fits into the larger story of the family.

Communication & Strategy Tailored To You

Communication is central to our approach. We explain legal concepts in everyday language, outline options clearly, and answer questions as they arise. Our bilingual team helps ensure that both English and Spanish-speaking family members understand what is happening and can participate meaningfully in decisions. Throughout the matter, we work to keep you informed about developments so that you are not left wondering what is happening behind the scenes.

When developing a strategy, we consider both legal and practical factors. We discuss potential outcomes, costs, and time frames, and we talk openly about how different paths might affect family relationships. Sometimes a firm stance in court is necessary to protect your interests. Other times, a carefully structured settlement may serve your long-term goals better. With a small firm feel and resources that allow us to address complex issues, we work with you to find an approach that fits your priorities.

Serving Clients Across Long Island

Estate disputes often require multiple meetings, document reviews, and court appearances over time. Having counsel who is accessible where you live and work can make the process less stressful. Our three offices on Long Island give clients options for meeting in locations that are convenient to both Nassau County and Suffolk County, as well as neighboring communities.

Families here frequently have estates that include primary residences, multi-generational family homes, small businesses, and investment properties. Many of these assets are located in this area, so familiarity with local real estate practices and the way these properties are treated in New York estates can be valuable. We help clients consider how decisions about selling, keeping, or transferring such assets fit into broader litigation and settlement strategies.

We regularly meet with multiple family members, sometimes across generations, to discuss concerns and explain the legal process. For families in which some members are more comfortable in Spanish and others in English, our bilingual staff helps make sure everyone is heard and informed. Whether you prefer to meet in person at one of our offices or begin with a virtual consultation, we work to provide access to our team in the way that fits your circumstances.

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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 if specific legal conditions are met under New York law. Common reasons include concerns that the person who signed the will lacked the mental capacity to understand what they were doing, that someone exerted undue influence or coercion, that the will was not executed with the required formalities, or that fraud or forgery is involved. The details matter, including medical history, the timing of changes, who was involved in arranging the will, and how the new document differs from prior plans. Our attorneys can review the will, the surrounding circumstances, and any available records with you, then explain whether a formal objection in Surrogate’s Court may be appropriate.

What Happens If I Am An Executor and Someone Contests The Estate?

If you are serving as an executor and someone contests the estate, you still have duties to the court and to all interested parties. Typically, you will continue to safeguard estate assets, follow court instructions, and provide information that the court or parties request, subject to legal protections. You may need to respond to objections, participate in conferences, and assist with discovery, such as producing records or answering questions about how you have administered the estate. In some situations, the court may appoint additional fiduciaries or issue specific orders that affect your role. We work with executors and administrators to help them understand their obligations, respond properly to challenges, and reduce the risk of personal liability while the dispute is pending.

How Long Does Estate Litigation Usually Take On Long Island?

The length of an estate litigation matter on Long Island can vary, and it is influenced by several factors. Disputes that involve a single legal issue and a small number of parties may be resolved within months, especially if the parties are open to negotiation and the court’s schedule has availability. Matters that involve complex assets, multiple heirs or beneficiaries, extensive discovery, or closely contested legal questions can take longer, sometimes a year or more. The calendars of Nassau County Surrogate's Court and Suffolk County Surrogate's Court also play a role in how quickly hearings and conferences are scheduled. During an initial consultation, we can discuss the factors that are likely to affect timing in your specific situation and how we work to keep you informed as the case progresses.

How Do Attorney Fees Work In Estate Litigation Cases?

Attorney fee arrangements in estate litigation cases depend on the nature of the matter, the parties involved, and the scope of work that is anticipated. Some engagements are billed on an hourly basis, particularly when the amount of time needed is hard to predict. In certain situations, fees may be paid from estate or trust assets with court approval, or there may be fee-shifting provisions that affect how costs are allocated. Our firm discusses fee structures and expectations with clients before beginning representation, so you understand how billing will work and what factors could change that over time. During a consultation, we can review your circumstances and explain the options that may be available for your type of dispute.

Can Your Team Help If Some Family Members Only Speak Spanish?

Yes, our bilingual team assists families in both English and Spanish. When some family members are more comfortable in Spanish and others in English, clear communication can become a challenge, especially when legal and financial issues are involved. We strive to make sure that all key participants understand what documents mean, what the court is asking, and what choices are on the table. This may involve conducting meetings in Spanish, translating explanations of legal concepts, or preparing written summaries that family members can review together. Our goal is to reduce confusion and help everyone engage meaningfully in decisions about the estate.

Will Going To Court Make My Family Conflict Worse?

Going to court can increase tension in some families, but in other situations, it can bring structure and clarity to a conflict that has already become difficult. Litigation introduces formal procedures, deadlines, and a neutral decision maker, which can help move a dispute forward when informal conversations are no longer productive. At the same time, the public nature of court proceedings and the adversarial process can be stressful. When you work with us, we talk openly about these realities and explore whether there are opportunities for negotiation, mediation, or carefully crafted agreements that might reduce conflict while still protecting your interests. Many cases resolve through settlement at some stage, and we keep both legal and relational impacts in mind when advising you.

When Should I Talk To An Attorney About An Estate Dispute?

It is usually wise to speak with an attorney as soon as you sense that an estate or trust situation may be heading toward conflict. Early conversations can help you understand your rights and obligations before positions become entrenched or deadlines pass. For beneficiaries and heirs, this might be when you learn about a will that does not match what you expected, when information about assets is not being shared, or when documents appear inconsistent. For executors, administrators, or trustees, this might be when you receive formal objections, sharply worded letters, or requests that raise red flags. An early meeting with our team allows us to review your documents, explain relevant time limits, and help you decide whether to take immediate action or monitor the situation with a plan in place.

Talk With Our Team About Your Estate Dispute

Deciding how to respond to an estate dispute is never easy. You may feel torn between protecting your rights and preserving family relationships, all while managing grief and other responsibilities. Speaking with an estate litigation attorney Long Island who understands both the law and the human side of these matters can help you move from uncertainty to a clearer plan.

At The Fedele Law Group PLLC, our practice is centered on estate planning, elder law, and probate-related matters. We bring more than 45 years of combined experience to the table and serve clients through three Long Island offices with a bilingual team. During a consultation, we listen carefully to your concerns, review the relevant documents, and outline potential next steps so you can make informed choices.

If you are facing a contested will, trust dispute, or other estate conflict, you do not have to navigate it alone. We are here to provide steady guidance and practical advice tailored to your situation.

To speak with our team about your estate dispute, call (631) 519-9831 or contact us online now.