Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Does NYS Law REQUIRE a public notice to creditors?

Dad passed 5 weeks ago; named me executor; have Letters & EIN, but cannot find the answer to just one specific question: Are estates/executors required under NYS law to publish a PUBLIC notice to creditors (ala, in the local newspaper)?

Dad had no debt other than upcoming land taxes and utilities (funeral will be paid next week once estate account is opened).

I nonetheless wanted to know should unknown issues arise down the road....


Asked on 7/05/06, 9:22 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Debra Palazzo Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC

Re: Does NYS Law REQUIRE a public notice to creditors?

My condolences on the loss of your Dad. Been there.

No, you are not required to place a legal notice for your creditors. However, you are required to wait 7 mos. before distributing any Estate assets.

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Answered on 7/05/06, 11:49 pm
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Does NYS Law REQUIRE a public notice to creditors?

I agree with Debra, that the notice is not required. If you have any questions about possible debts and claims, it may be worth the few dollars to do it, so when you make final or interim distributions, you have assured yourself no one will come out of the woodwork later on. You are then protected if there are no assets remaining to satisfy any late claims.

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Answered on 7/06/06, 10:39 am
Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: Does NYS Law REQUIRE a public notice to creditors?

The executor may be required to serve public notice if a judge requires it, but ordinarily such notice is not required.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.

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Answered on 7/06/06, 11:31 am


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