A bank account needs to be closed, bills continue arriving, and someone must deal with the property left behind. The person who died never made a will, so the family assumes a surviving spouse or adult child can take responsibility.
In New York, that relationship does not automatically give someone authority to collect estate assets or act for the deceased. Alatsas Law Firm handles administration proceedings for families who need to establish who can legally manage an estate and carry out the responsibilities that follow.
Being the Closest Relative Does Not Automatically Make You Administrator
An executor receives authority through a will and the probate process. When someone dies without a will, the Surrogate’s Court can appoint an administrator through a different proceeding.
The appointed administrator performs many duties similar to those of an executor. They collect estate property, address valid debts and expenses, and distribute the remaining assets according to New York’s intestacy laws.
