Business Law
You probably wouldn’t have posted if something wasn’t a little funny about the bill. He should have been giving itemized statements throughout the engagement, to just spring it on you and if he didn’t have an engagement letter in place is not the best practice on his part. You should request a meeting with him to discuss the bill and see what the rate was, what was specifically done, and whether there was any error. It’s not always the size of the estate that determines how much it will cost to wind up, but what you have written seems excessive to me.
You can’t just transfer a property by deed from a dead person, someone must have authority to act on behalf of the estate. If someone dies with a will that person is the executor, without a will the law of intestacy applies and someone can be appointed as an administrator of the estate. Once an authorized representative of the estate is appointed by the surrogates court then the transfer of property by way of deed can take place. Hope this was helpful.
I am sorry you are dealing with this. Make sure the will has been probated and you can usually find the contact information from the Surrogate’s Court in the county she lived in. Another attorney can help you find this information as well and help you handle the executor issues that have been created.
Aviation Law
An aviation lawyer handles legal matters specific to aircraft ownership, operation, and transactions, including aircraft purchase and sale agreements, financing and leasing, FAA regulatory compliance, registration and title issues, and disputes involving pilots, owners, or operators.
Yes. Aircraft transactions involve FAA registration requirements, title searches, liens, and specialized purchase agreements that differ significantly from standard contract law. An aviation attorney protects you from title defects, undisclosed liens, and regulatory issues that can surface after closing.
An aircraft title search reviews FAA records to confirm clear ownership and identify any liens, judgments, or security interests recorded against the aircraft. This step is essential before any purchase, sale, or financing transaction to avoid inheriting hidden claims against the aircraft.
Yes. If the FAA initiates an enforcement action against a pilot or operator for a certificate violation, safety issue, or regulatory infraction, an aviation attorney can represent you through the investigation, respond to FAA correspondence, and represent your interests in any hearing or appeal.
A well-drafted aircraft purchase agreement should address pre-purchase inspection rights, title and lien representations, delivery conditions, escrow terms, and remedies if defects are discovered. Each of these protects the buyer from disputes after the sale closes.
Yes. Legal considerations can vary depending on whether the aircraft is used privately, commercially, or for charter operations, as different FAA regulations and liability standards may apply. An aviation attorney can advise on the rules relevant to your specific use case.
Wills, Trusts & Estate
A will or trust ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, names guardians for minor children, and can help your family avoid the delays and costs of intestate succession (when someone dies without a valid will).
A will takes effect after death and typically must go through probate, while a trust can take effect during your lifetime and allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without probate. Many estate plans use both to address different goals.
Property cannot be transferred by deed from someone who has died. An executor (if there’s a will) or a court-appointed administrator (if there isn’t) must first be authorized by the Surrogate’s Court before any transfer of real estate can take place.
When someone dies without a will, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws, and the court appoints an administrator to manage and distribute the assets. This process can take longer and may not reflect what the deceased would have wanted.
If a will has been filed for probate, the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the deceased resided can typically provide information on the assigned executor or administrator. An estate attorney can also help you obtain this information and address any concerns about how the estate is being managed.
An executor or administrator is responsible for identifying and valuing estate assets, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries according to the will or state law. They have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the estate.
Costs vary based on estate size, complexity, and whether disputes arise, but professionals handling an estate should provide itemized billing throughout the engagement rather than a single unexplained invoice at the end. An engagement letter outlining fees up front is standard best practice.