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Executor of an Estate

Qualities of an Executor of an Estate, and Does He/She Need a Lawyer?

Who should you chose to be the executor of an estate? Good question. There are several criteria that go into choosing an executor: your executor should be someone you consider trustworthy; they should understand and respect your wishes regarding the provisions in your last will; they should be capable of performing the duties of an executor of an estate; if the estate is complex, a professional executor, like a trust company,  may be advisable; your executor should of course be someone likely to outlive you. A New York City estate planning lawyer can help you determine whether someone meets these criteria.

While executor of an estate doesn't necessarily need to hire a New York Estate Lawyer, there are many reasons why someone may want to hire an estate attorney.  Most people are not familiar with the probate, administration or estate settlement process.  Since an Executor is responsible to the Surrogate's Court and the beneficiaries for the protection of estate assets, the payment of taxes and other activities, it is advisable to obtain the advice of an attorney and other professionals with experience handling these matters.

If you're the executor of an estate, you want to know if you might need the help of a lawyer.   I have many years of experience successfully working with and advising clients in creating and executing wills, the probate process and administering estates and helping clients who were an executor of an estate.

Also, there are many occasions where the assistance of a probate attorney is essential.  For instance, a person who dies may have been involved with a lawsuit during his life, and the Executor would be required to continue the lawsuit on behalf of the decedent.  Similarly, an Executor may be sued on behalf of the estate if a third party had a claim against the decedent that was not pursued until death.  There are many types of estate litigation that occur.  It is very common that an Executor may want to bring an eviction proceeding with the help of an attorney in New York City Housing Court to evict persons who refuse to move out of the decedent's real property.  The eviction may be needed to sell the house.  There have been many cases when I have represented Executors in Surrogate's Court litigation as well as lawsuits in New York State Supreme Court and New York City Housing Court.  These cases can be complicated and time consuming. However, lawsuits may be an essential part of estate administration and protecting the interests of the estate beneficiaries.

I graduated in the top 10% of my class at New England School of Law in Boston and then served on the prestigious “Law Review.” I have been an attorney at law in my own law practice in New York City since 1985.  I enjoy working hard for each of my clients to meet their needs. I am dedicated to working through the nuances of case detail, uncovering something that didn't initially seem obvious and coming to grips with things that can't be controlled in order to resolve your case.  I represent clients throughout New York.

I am available to answer your questions or address any concerns you may have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact me now at (212) 355-2575 or e-mail for an appointment with a New York City attorney.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I am very grateful to Mr. Jules Martin Haas attorney of law in New York. I am from Buenos Aires Argentina. He managed with expertise a very difficult situation. of a complicate heritage from my aunt Anna Grodzka that lived and died a very long time ago in New York. I recommend him not only for his extraordinary knowledge but also for his kindness. Irma CW Peusner
★★★★★
I found Mr. Haas after being misguided by a former attorney. Mr. Jules Haas took our case which involved an estate/trust dispute. What initially seemed like an impossible and overwhelming legal fight was now in the hands of someone who had the integrity and legal expertise to win our case. Mr Haas' attention to detail and his expert knowledge base, skillfully and successfully guided us through an intricate legal process. I am very thankful and grateful to Mr. Jules Haas for representing our interest and ultimately winning. Bringing about a peace of mind we needed. Thank You Devida Nedd
★★★★★
I was in need of a guardianship attorney and I hired the services of Jules M. Haas' Law firm. The service of counselor Haas and his staff, was very profesional and the case was handled in a timely matter. I would strongly recommend his services Angel Guevara
★★★★★
I strongly recommend Jules Haas. I have worked with him for two years and he has provided so much support and followed through with everything he promised he would do. His support staff is just as helpful! We had an interesting case and he helped to solve each part of it legally and was very thorough. Thank you for everything you have done to finalize our families estate Robyn Stafford
★★★★★
Jules Haas helped me with managing the process in probate court for my father's estate through to its completion upon the sale of my father's house. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and effective in submitting documentation to the probate court, explaining procedures to me, and advising me as to the progress of my case. His support staff was also very helpful. He made what for me created so much anxiety into something manageable where I could see progress every step of the way. His fees were very reasonable. I am super grateful to him for all the help he has provided and strongly recommend his services. Diana Janer
★★★★★
I just completed an estate transaction where Jules Haas represented my client in an estate and he did a great job! He was very quick at responding to all matters throughout the sale process, he was detailed, he was knowledgeable and he was a pleasure to work with. I just recommended him to some new clients who are going through an estate matter and will continue to recommend him. Rodolfo Lucchese