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Albany Estate Litigation

Estate Litigation Lawyers Serving Clients Throughout Upstate New York

When a loved one passes, the management of the estate can be a daunting task. The lawyers at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP are there to help, assisting clients with the legal tasks involved in the probate or administration of estates, and with questions arising from the administration of inter vivos and testamentary trusts. We help our clients who have been named as the executor or beneficiary of an estate to work through the necessary court proceedings, as well as issues relating to the assets and debts of the estate and the distribution of assets. When a loved one passes without a will, we work with our clients to navigate the rules and court processes relating to the appointment of an administrator, distribution rights, and through the administration of the estate.

At E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, our lawyers provide experienced legal representation for all parties to estate litigation in Albany’s Capital Region and throughout Upstate New York. We seek to minimize disputes whenever possible, calling on decades of experience in complex probate and trust disputes to help our clients obtain just and efficient resolutions. In addition, while it is often in our clients’ best interests to pursue alternative dispute resolution methods that allow for amicable outcomes to their estate-related disputes, as committed litigators, when necessary we do not hesitate to vigorously represent our clients’ interests in court.

Our Services for Estate Litigation in Upstate New York

Our attorneys represent clients in all types of estate litigation in Upstate New York. Our services include providing legal representation for heirs, beneficiaries, personal representatives, trustees, creditors, and other interested parties in cases involving:

  • Will contests, including disputes regarding the validity of wills due to questions of incapacity, undue influence, forgery, and other matters.
  • Disputes regarding the interpretation of wills.
  • Rights of spouses and blood relatives.
  • Trust litigation involving disputes over trust documentation and trust assets.
  • Fiduciary litigation involving accusations of fraudulent, negligent, or other improper conduct by personal representatives and trustees.
  • Litigation involving payment of taxes, investment decisions, accounting, and other matters involved in estate and trust administration.
  • Actions to remove personal representatives and trustees.
  • Creditors’ claims to estate assets.

Do I Need an Estate Litigation Attorney?

Regardless of your role in the estate administration process, there may come a point when you need to stand up and say something in order to protect your rights. If someone else has filed a lawsuit to protect his or her rights, you may need to speak with a lawyer who can help you understand the consequences and respond appropriately, as well. If you have questions or aren’t sure where else to turn, we are happy to help you understand your situation, so that you can make an informed decision based on the options that are available.

For your reference, the following are all common scenarios where individuals hire estate litigation attorneys to help them protect their interests and enforce their legal rights:

  • Someone left two versions of his or her will.
  • You question whether your loved one knew what he or she was signing when he or she executed the will or a trust agreement.
  • There is a disagreement regarding the contents of a will or the intent of the language contained in a will or trust.
  • You are concerned that the person responsible for administering your loved one’s estate is not competent to do so.
  • You are concerned that assets belonging to the estate have not been collected or managed appropriately.
  • As a personal representative or trustee, you have been accused of misappropriating or mismanaging assets belonging to the estate or trust.

Keep in mind: This is just a small sampling. If you are asking the question of whether you need to hire an estate litigation attorney, you owe it to yourself to sit down with someone who can help you understand the situation at hand.

More than 125 years of Legal Excellence

Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy has been serving clients in the Upstate region for more than 125 years. Our lawyers are committed litigators who focus on helping clients make informed decisions, and who emphasize strategy and cost-effectiveness equally with providing attentive and personal client care. We understand that you are coming to us in a time of need, and we want to help you quickly so that you can move on with your life.

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Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • If I hire an attorney but do not want to go to trial, can I settle?
    In the course of preparing a case for trial, your personal injury attorney will work with the defense attorneys and insurance companies in an effort to secure a fair settlement for you and your family. The final decision to accept an offer of settlement or go to trial is yours alone to make.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
  • If arrested, what steps can I take on my behalf?

    1. Do not discuss your situation with anyone except your attorney.

    2. Unless your attorney says otherwise, do not discuss your case with law enforcement.

    3. Request to have your attorney present if you are to be put in a lineup or subjected to testing.

    4. Remain calm and courteous. Allow your attorney to speak for you to ensure that your rights are protected and you are given all the benefits afforded to you under the law.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.

  • What is the difference between criminal procedure and civil procedure?
    When a crime has been committed, action is taken by a government agency against the person, persons, organization or other entity that violated the law. The first purpose of a criminal prosecution is punishment, which frequently consists of a fine or jail time. In a civil matter, the dispute is between two or more individuals or entities. The first purpose of a civil prosecution is obtaining compensation for the wronged person or entity. Settlement in a civil matter is generally an award of a money judgment. A criminal sentence is not imposed in a civil matter.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.