Estate Administration in New York: Compassionate Guidance During a Difficult Time
September 23, 2025
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Losing a loved one is never easy, and the responsibilities that follow can often feel overwhelming. From locating important documents to handling taxes and distributing assets, the estate administration process is a complex journey — especially for grieving families.

At Auerbach Law Group, P.C., we are committed to easing that burden. Our estate administration attorneys in New York provide compassionate, detail-oriented support so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
What Is Estate Administration?
Estate administration is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs and ensuring their assets are distributed appropriately. This may include:
- Reviewing and validating wills or trusts
- Paying outstanding debts and taxes
- Locating and securing assets such as bank accounts, investments, or property
- Filing the decedent’s final tax return
- Managing probate, if necessary
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
Because each family’s situation is unique, the process can range from straightforward to highly complex.
Estate Administration With a Will vs. Without a Will
- When There Is a Will
The process involves verifying the will’s validity, appointing an executor, and following the instructions outlined in the document.
- When There Is No Will
The estate is handled under New York’s intestacy laws. This can make asset distribution more complicated and emotionally challenging, especially when disagreements arise among family members.
At Auerbach Law Group, we help families through both situations, ensuring assets are properly distributed while protecting your loved one’s final wishes.
The Challenges Families May Face
Families often encounter obstacles that make estate administration especially stressful, such as:
- Disputes over the validity of a will
- Conflicts between beneficiaries
- Unexpected claims against the estate
- Locating life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or hidden assets
- Handling the decedent’s outstanding debts and taxes
Without skilled legal guidance, these challenges can delay the process and increase emotional strain.
Why Work With an Estate Administration Attorney in New York?
Handling estate matters on your own can be overwhelming — and mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays or legal complications. Our attorneys provide:
- Compassionate support to guide you through every step
- Meticulous review of legal documents to ensure accuracy
- Defense against improper claims on the estate
- Assistance with probate and tax filings
- Tailored planning advice for your own future estate needs
We also understand that this process often inspires families to revisit their own estate plans, ensuring smoother transitions for future generations.
Choose the Level of Support You Need
Every family’s needs are different. Some clients prefer us to handle the entire estate administration process, while others choose a more collaborative approach. At Auerbach Law Group, we’re here to provide the level of support that works best for you and your family.
Begin the Process With Trusted Guidance
You don’t have to shoulder the burden of estate administration alone. With the right guidance, you can ensure that your loved one’s wishes are honored and that the process is as smooth as possible.
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The IRS issues trust fund recovery penalties (TFRPs) to hold individuals personally responsible for unpaid payroll taxes. Employers must withhold income and payroll taxes from employees’ wages and remit them to the IRS. If a business fails to do so, the IRS can assess TFRPs against responsible individuals, including business owners, officers, or employees who manage financial decisions. Determining responsibility and willfulness To impose a TFRP, the IRS must establish that the individual was responsible for collecting, accounting for, or paying employment taxes. The IRS also needs to prove that the responsible person acted willfully in failing to remit the taxes. Willfulness does not require fraudulent intent; a voluntary, conscious decision to pay other obligations before tax liabilities is enough to meet this standard. Requesting an appeal Taxpayers can challenge a TFRP assessment through an IRS appeal. After receiving a proposed assessment, the taxpayer can submit a written protest within 60 days (75 days for cases outside the U.S.). The protest should provide evidence and arguments explaining why the assessment is incorrect. This process allows taxpayers to present their case before an independent IRS appeals officer. Contesting liability in tax court If an appeal does not resolve the issue, taxpayers can challenge the assessment in the U.S. Tax Court, the Court of Federal Claims, or a U.S. District Court. To proceed in district court or the Court of Federal Claims, the taxpayer must first pay a portion of the penalty and file a refund claim with the IRS. If the IRS denies the claim or does not respond within six months, the taxpayer can file a lawsuit. Providing evidence to support the case Strong documentation is essential for disputing TFRPs. Evidence such as emails, financial records, and witness testimony can demonstrate that the individual lacked responsibility or did not act willfully. Legal counsel can help present a well-supported case to the IRS or the courts. Taxpayers facing TFRP assessments should seek guidance from professionals who are knowledgeable in tax matters. These individuals can analyze the case, gather evidence, and navigate the appeals process. Proper preparation and a strong defense increase the chances of a favorable outcome and minimize financial liability.
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Tax problems can be expensive and stressful. New technology can help people follow tax rules and avoid disputes. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing make it easier to track income, expenses, and payments. More businesses and individuals use these tools to stay compliant and reduce errors. As technology improves, tax reporting will become simpler and more accurate. Improving accuracy with AI AI can quickly process financial data with fewer mistakes. It can check expense reports and invoices in real-time, making sure everything follows tax rules. This accuracy helps prevent errors that could cause problems with tax authorities. AI also helps detect unusual transactions, reducing fraud risks. By using AI, businesses and individuals can confidently file their taxes, knowing their data is accurate and up-to-date. Organizing records with cloud computing Storing financial records in the cloud keeps them safe and easy to find. Cloud systems update in real-time and allow users to access information from anywhere. Better record-keeping allows people to file taxes correctly and avoid disputes. Cloud technology also allows seamless collaboration between taxpayers, accountants, and tax agencies. Automatic backups ensure records remain intact, even if a device is lost or damaged. Using real-time reporting New technology allows businesses and individuals to report financial transactions as they occur. When tax records update instantly, errors are caught and fixed immediately, preventing small mistakes from becoming big problems. Governments are also adopting real-time tax collection methods, which reduce delays and ensure smoother tax administration. The ability to instantly verify information creates transparency and trust between taxpayers and authorities. Technology helps people follow tax laws more easily and keeps tax agencies informed. As these tools become more common, tax disputes will happen less often, making the system smoother for everyone. Investing in digital tax solutions benefits both taxpayers and tax authorities, leading to fewer audits and penalties.
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