Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC

09/02/2026

Are there Juries in the New York Surrogate’s Courts? — https://t.ly/RybuY

For some proceedings, parties are entitled to a jury trial.

{Read in 5 Minutes}  As a Trusts and Estates attorney, I frequently litigate matters in the Surrogate’s Court. One of the most common things a Court will do is decide whether to admit a person’s Will to probate. In the vast majority of cases, this is an uncontested proceeding, meaning that all ...

08/24/2026

Contempt of Court in the NY Surrogate’s Court — https://t.ly/7RzTa

You don't want to p**s off the Court!

{7 mins to read} As a Trusts and Estates attorney, I frequently appear in Surrogate’s Court. Sometimes I am there to file a petition or to appear on the Court’s calendar. Any of this may be incident to the various types of proceedings the Surrogate’s Court handles daily, such as probate, admin...

07/23/2026

How Many Backup Executors Do I Need? — https://t.ly/_d1HG

New Yorkers are well advised to name at least one backup Executor in their Will, but there is no limit on the number of further alternates they can name.

{3 mins to read}  As a Trusts & Estates attorney, I have probably written thousands of Wills for people over the years. Wills are important documents that address a client’s most important matters: family, assets, and legacy. One of the most crucial elements of a Will is naming an Executor, who i...

07/07/2026

Letters of Administration CTA in the New York Surrogate’s Court — https://t.ly/cIKjR

The Court can appoint an Administrator CTA to administer a Will that does not name an Executor.

{3 mins to read}  As a Trust and Estates attorney, I deal with Wills quite a lot. Often, I will write them for clients. After someone dies, I will file the Will for probate in the Surrogate’s Court, seeking to have the Court appoint an Executor to administer the Estate. Every now and then, there....

04/09/2026

Online Information About the Surrogate’s Courts in New York (1/27) — https://t.ly/LZmOU

It’s more than just the records. There is abundant good information about the Court's operations and rules.

{4 minutes to read}  As a Trusts and Estates Attorney, I frequently appear in the Surrogate’s Court, whether I’m there to offer a Will for probate, have an Administrator appointed when someone dies without a Will, deal with a contested accounting between beneficiaries and the Executor, or hand...

02/26/2026

What New Yorkers Need to Know About the New Estate Tax Exemption Amounts — https://t.ly/PkmOO

If you have a large enough Estate to merit paying Estate taxes….

{4 Minutes to Read} As a Trusts and Estates attorney, I frequently represent individuals preparing Wills, Trusts, and other estate planning documents (Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, Living Will, Funeral Directives). These are incredibly personalized documents that ensure all of a client’s wi...

02/20/2026

What Sort of Records Should New York Executors Maintain? — https://t.ly/nkKmq

Good and diligent bookkeeping makes an Executor's job easier in the long run!

02/03/2026

Appearing on the Calendar in the New York Surrogate’s Court — https://t.ly/jUUv3

Surrogate’s Court appearances can feel confusing if you don’t know what to expect. Process Calendars and Motion Calendars serve very different purposes—and understanding the difference can make court day far less stressful.

{4 minutes to read}  As a Trust and Estates attorney, I frequently appear in the Surrogate’s Court in the various counties of New York City and its immediate suburbs. As someone who appears in Surrogate’s Court very frequently, over the years, I’ve become familiar with the different ways that...

01/13/2026

What Rights Do Beneficiaries of NY Estates Have When the Nominated Executor Fails to Offer the Will for Probate? — https://t.ly/ImOxe

The Nominated Executor Should Really, Sh or Get Off the Pot. . .

12/22/2025

What Happens When A New Yorker Dies Owning Fi****ms?

There are rules. Lots and lots of rules! — https://t.ly/EIvZ6