What to do when someone dies in New York

New York's estate process runs through the Surrogate's Court — a specialized court system that handles probate, trust administration, and estate disputes county by county. Between the state's estate tax, the elective share rights of surviving spouses, and the SAFE Act's firearm transfer rules, there are meaningful New York-specific steps your family needs to know.

What this guide covers

How probate works in this state
Estate and inheritance taxes
Surviving spouse rights and protections
Small estate shortcuts and affidavit thresholds
Step-by-step checklist for your family

Order walks your family through every task — from filing the will with the court to closing the final accounts. Use it to stay organized, assign tasks to family members, and make sure nothing gets missed.