Estate Litigation Attorney in Huntington, NY
Guiding Families Through Contested Estates
When a loved one passes away or becomes unable to manage their affairs, the last thing you expect is a legal battle within the family. Yet questions about a will, a trust, or a power of attorney can quickly turn into disputes that affect your inheritance, your rights, and important relationships. If you need an estate litigation attorney, our firm is here to help you understand your options.
At Novick, Graffeo & Choi, P.C., we have devoted more than 30 years to estate law in New York. We work with executors, beneficiaries, surviving spouses, and other family members who are facing high-stakes conflicts over estates that include assets in Huntington, NY, and the surrounding area. Our goal is to protect legal rights while respecting the intentions of the person whose estate is at the center of the dispute.
Led by attorney Donald Novick, our team focuses on contested estate matters every day. We handle disputes involving wills, trusts, powers of attorney, spousal rights, and real estate co-owned by family members. If you are unsure whether your situation calls for legal action, we encourage you to contact us to discuss it directly.
Your matter can’t wait—a dedicated estate litigation lawyer in Huntington is prepared to help. Contact us online to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
Why Families Choose Our Firm
Families turn to Novick, Graffeo & Choi, P.C. when they need steady guidance in the middle of complex estate disputes. Our firm has focused on New York estate law for more than three decades, and that depth of experience helps us understand how courts evaluate claims and how family dynamics can influence a case. We draw on that history to build practical strategies that address both the law and the people involved.
Our practice is led by Donald Novick, a seasoned New York attorney who has handled intricate estate matters for many years. He has been recognized as a commentator in high-profile media outlets on estate issues, which reflects the trust placed in his understanding of this area of law. Clients appreciate having direct access to a lawyer whose career has been closely tied to estate litigation.
Because we are a boutique firm, we can focus closely on each case. Your matter is not one file in a large stack. We take the time to learn how the dispute developed, what documents exist, and what you hope to achieve. That level of attention allows us to tailor our approach to the unique facts of your situation, whether it involves a contested will, a dispute over lifetime transfers, or a disagreement about property linked to Huntington.
We are also known in New York for our estate litigation work. Our team has been involved in matters that attracted public attention, and we bring that same level of care to cases that never make the news. For some disputes, we can offer contingency fee arrangements, which may reduce the need for large upfront payments. During an initial consultation, we explain how fees work so you can make informed decisions.
Common Estate Disputes We Handle
Many people first contact us because something about an estate does not feel right. A new will appears shortly before death, a caregiver suddenly becomes the main beneficiary, or property in Huntington, NY, is transferred out of the estate without a clear explanation. We help clients evaluate whether these concerns justify formal action in court.
One frequent area of dispute is a contested will. Questions may arise about whether the person who signed the will had the mental capacity required under New York law, or whether another individual used pressure or manipulation to influence the terms. There may also be issues with how the document was executed, such as missing witnesses or unclear provisions that affect how assets are distributed.
We also handle conflicts involving trusts and beneficiary designations. These disputes can involve claims that amendments were made under improper circumstances, that the trustee is not managing assets appropriately, or that lifetime transfers drained the estate in a way that harmed intended beneficiaries. Contested powers of attorney are another common problem, particularly where there are concerns about financial abuse before death or during a period of incapacity.
Spousal rights often come into play when a surviving husband or wife believes they have not received the share of the estate the law provides. New York’s rules can allow a spouse to claim an elective share, even if the will appears to leave them less. Our team helps spouses understand these rights and how they may apply to estates that include homes or other property in or around Huntington.
Finally, we frequently address disputes over real estate co-owned by family members. For example, siblings may inherit a house together but disagree about whether to sell or keep it. In those situations, a partition action may be necessary to resolve how the property will be handled. We help clients understand what this process involves and how it intersects with the broader estate.
How Estate Litigation Works In New York
Understanding the process can make a difficult situation feel more manageable. Estate litigation in New York typically takes place in the Surrogate’s Court for the county that has jurisdiction over the estate. When an estate involves property or family members tied to Huntington, the appropriate court is determined by factors such as the decedent’s residence and where the proceeding was filed.
Most contested matters begin with an investigation. We review the will, trust, powers of attorney, and related documents, then gather information from financial records and other sources. If you are an executor, trustee, or beneficiary, you may already have some of these materials. If not, part of our role is to determine how best to obtain them through the court process.
Once the facts are clearer, the next step often involves filing objections or petitions. In a will contest, for example, objections might challenge capacity, undue influence, or the way the document was executed. In a dispute over a power of attorney, the petition might ask the court to examine transactions, accountings, or the removal of a fiduciary. The specific filings depend on the nature of the conflict.
Discovery can follow, which is the stage where parties exchange information, request documents, and take depositions. This phase helps clarify what really happened and can influence whether a case moves toward settlement or trial. In some disputes, especially those involving family property near Huntington, discovery may shed light on long-standing arrangements or informal understandings that now need to be formalized.
Many estate disputes are resolved through negotiated agreements, sometimes with the court’s assistance. Others require the Surrogate’s Court to hold hearings or a trial and then issue orders that determine rights and obligations. Timelines can vary, and they are affected by case complexity, the number of parties, and the court’s schedule. Part of our role is to keep you informed about what to expect at each stage and to help you weigh settlement offers against the risks of continued litigation.
If You Face An Estate Dispute
When conflict emerges around an estate, it can be tempting to wait and see whether things improve on their own. In our experience, early steps often make a meaningful difference. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and prevent changes that are difficult to unwind later.
Helpful steps to take if you are involved in an estate dispute:
- Gather copies of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and any amendments you can access.
- Keep financial statements, emails, and letters that may relate to the estate or disputed transactions.
- Avoid signing agreements or waivers without understanding their legal effect.
- Do not distribute assets or transfer property if questions about rights remain unresolved.
- Contact a law firm that handles estate disputes to review your situation.
When you reach out to Novick, Graffeo & Choi, P.C., we start by listening. We want to understand your relationship to the decedent, what has happened so far, and what concerns you most. We then explain how New York law may apply and discuss potential paths forward. Our communication is direct and clear, so you know where things stand.
We also address fees and costs at the outset. Depending on the case, we may structure fees in different ways. For some estate litigation matters, contingency fee arrangements are available, which means our compensation could be linked to what is recovered. In other situations, hourly or hybrid arrangements may be more appropriate. We explain these options so you can consider how they fit your circumstances.
Throughout the matter, we work to keep you informed. Because we are a boutique firm, you have access to our team and can ask questions as they arise. Our aim is to reduce the uncertainty that often surrounds estate disputes and to provide clear guidance from the first call until the case is resolved.
How A Local Lawyer Helps Your Case
Estate litigation is governed by statewide rules, yet local knowledge still matters. When a dispute involves assets, family members, or property connected to Huntington, it can be helpful to work with a firm that understands how New York Surrogate’s Courts operate and how issues specific to this region may affect your case.
We regularly handle matters for estates that include homes and other real property in Suffolk County. Disagreements about whether to sell a house, keep it in the family, or divide proceeds among co-owners are common in this area. Our familiarity with these situations helps us anticipate practical challenges, such as coordinating with multiple family members or addressing mortgages and liens tied to local properties.
Working with a firm that is accessible to you also has day-to-day benefits. Meeting in person to review original documents, discuss strategy, or prepare for court appearances can bring clarity at key points. Although many steps in estate litigation can be handled remotely, clients often value the option to sit down with our team when decisions need to be made.
Local understanding complements our broader experience across New York. We use what we know about Surrogate’s Court procedures and regional expectations to move cases forward as efficiently as circumstances allow. If you are looking for an estate litigation lawyer in Huntington, our firm is available to discuss how we may assist.
For experienced guidance, turn to a skilled estate litigation attorney in Huntington. Contact us or call (631) 547-0300 to secure a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have Grounds To Contest My Parents’ Will?
You may have grounds if there are legitimate concerns about capacity, undue influence, or how the will was executed. We review the document, available records, family circumstances, and timing to assess strength. During a consultation, we explain how New York law views your specific facts.
How Much Does Estate Litigation Cost With Your Firm?
Costs depend on factors such as case complexity, number of parties, and how quickly disputes are resolved. We discuss fees clearly at the outset and describe available structures. In some matters, we can offer contingency fee arrangements. Our goal is to align fees with the realities of your case.
How Long Will A New York Estate Dispute Usually Take?
Estate disputes can range from several months to longer than a year, depending on complexity, court schedules, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We outline likely stages and timing after reviewing your situation, and we keep you updated as the matter progresses.
Will Going To Court Make My Family Conflict Worse?
Litigation can affect family relationships, which is why we look for ways to resolve disputes through negotiation where appropriate. At the same time, protecting legal rights sometimes requires firm action. We discuss both the legal and personal implications with you before major decisions are made.
What Should I Bring To Our First Meeting About An Estate Dispute?
It helps to bring any wills, trusts, powers of attorney, court papers, and financial records you have, along with a timeline of key events. We use this information to understand the dispute quickly and to give more precise guidance on possible next steps.
Talk With Our Estate Litigation Team
If you are facing a contested estate or trust, you do not have to sort it out on your own. Speaking with an experienced legal team can help you understand your rights, the strength of your position, and the practical steps available under New York law.
At Novick, Graffeo & Choi, P.C., we draw on decades of focused estate litigation work to guide families through difficult disputes, including matters tied to Huntington, NY. We strive to protect the intentions of your loved one and your own legal interests, while giving you a clear view of the process ahead.
We invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we may be able to assist. Your initial conversation is an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and receive straightforward guidance.
Call (631) 547-0300 to speak with a skilled estate litigation lawyer in Huntington today.
