Estate Litigation Attorney in the Bronx

Legal Help For Contested Estates In A Difficult Time

If you are caught in a dispute over a loved one’s estate in the Bronx, you are likely dealing with grief and family conflict at the same time. Wills, trusts, and property can quickly become sources of tension, especially when people feel something is unfair or unclear. In these moments, having an experienced guide matters.

At Jayson Lutzky, we help families work through estate and probate conflicts with steady, practical support. Our attorney has practiced law since 1985 and has handled thousands of matters for people in this borough and across New York City. We understand both the legal rules and the human side of estate litigation.

Our goal is to protect your rights while helping you make thoughtful decisions during a stressful period. Our team is bilingual in English and Spanish, and we offer free consultations and payment plans so that it is easier to get answers about your situation.

Contact our trusted estate litigation lawyer in the Bronx at (718) 550-2881 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

When an estate dispute arises, you may feel that no one is really listening to your concerns. We work to change that. With nearly 40 years of experience, Attorney Jayson Lutzky has seen how disagreements over wills, property, and inheritances can affect families in lasting ways. This background helps us approach each new matter with perspective and patience.

Our work in family law has prepared us to deal with sensitive relationships, long histories, and complicated emotions. We draw on that same approach when handling estate litigation. We take time to review the documents, ask detailed questions, and understand what has happened in your family, not just what appears on paper. This careful review can help uncover issues that need to be raised in Bronx Surrogate’s Court.

Our firm is built around a close-knit team that includes an associate attorney and three paralegals. This structure allows us to manage the many filings, deadlines, and communications that estate disputes often require. When you contact us, you are not just meeting one person; you are working with a group that coordinates to move your matter forward and keep you informed.

Many clients also tell us that they appreciate our supportive, family-like atmosphere. We know that litigation can be intimidating, especially when it involves relatives. We strive to explain options in clear, everyday language, whether we are speaking English or Spanish, so you can make choices with confidence. If you are looking for an estate litigation lawyer Bronx residents can turn to for steady guidance, our firm is here to talk through your concerns.

Common Estate Disputes We Handle

Estate litigation covers many different situations, and it is common for people to wonder whether their problem is serious enough to speak with an attorney. If you feel that something is unfair or that the estate is not being handled correctly, it is worth getting legal guidance. Contested estates are often resolved in Bronx Surrogate’s Court, and having a clear picture of the issues early can be important.

One group of disputes involves challenges to a will or trust. This can include claims that the person who signed the document did not have legal capacity at the time, that someone else used pressure or undue influence, or that the will was not executed in the way New York law requires. Questions about handwritten changes, missing pages, or last-minute revisions often lead people to seek advice.

Another frequent source of conflict is the conduct of the executor or administrator. Heirs may feel that the person in charge is not sharing information, is delaying distributions without explanation, or is favoring some family members over others. Concerns can also arise about how property is being sold, how bills are being paid, or whether money is missing. These situations can lead to formal accounts and objections in court.

We also see disputes within families that go beyond any one document. Brothers and sisters may disagree over who should receive a family home. A surviving spouse may feel pushed aside by adult children from a previous relationship. Long-term partners who are not married may find themselves excluded from an estate. Our work often involves helping people in these difficult positions understand what rights they may have under New York law and how those rights can be asserted in the Bronx.

What To Do In An Estate Dispute

When you first realize that something may be wrong with the way an estate is being handled, it can be tempting to wait and see what happens. At the same time, New York law sets time limits for certain objections and filings in Surrogate’s Court. Acting promptly can help preserve your options, even if you are not yet sure you want to move forward with litigation.

One helpful step is to gather key documents. This may include copies of any wills or trust papers you have seen, letters or emails about the estate, and financial statements that relate to the person who passed away. If you were given notices or paperwork from Bronx Surrogate’s Court, keeping those together can make it easier for an attorney to understand what has already occurred.

It is also wise to be careful about what you sign. People sometimes feel pressured to agree to a settlement, a waiver, or a distribution they do not fully understand, simply to keep the peace. Once signed, these documents can be difficult or sometimes impossible to unwind. Speaking with a lawyer before signing can help you see the long-term impact of those choices.

Here are practical steps you can take right now:

• Collect any estate-related documents you have, including wills, court papers, and financial records.
• Write down a timeline of key events and any concerns you have noticed about the estate.
• Avoid signing new estate documents until you have had legal advice about them.
• Limit heated conversations about the dispute and focus on keeping written records of important exchanges.
• Schedule a free consultation with our firm so we can review your situation and discuss next steps.

Taking these actions does not commit you to a lawsuit, but it does help protect your position. During a consultation, we can discuss what options may exist in your circumstances and what it might look like to challenge a will, question an executor, or defend yourself if someone else has made a claim.

How A Bronx Estate Litigation Lawyer Helps

Working with an estate litigation attorney whom Bronx families trust can make the process more manageable. We work to bring structure to what often feels like chaos. Our first step is usually to review the available documents, including any wills, accountings, and court filings, and to listen carefully to your account of events. This helps us identify where the legal issues may lie.

Many contested estates are handled in Bronx Surrogate’s Court, which follows specific procedures for filings, conferences, and hearings. We help clients prepare the necessary papers, understand what to expect at each stage, and respond to requests from the court or other parties. While court schedules and outcomes depend on many factors, having someone who regularly works with these processes can reduce uncertainty.

In some matters, negotiation or a structured settlement discussion may be a realistic way to resolve a dispute without a lengthy trial. In others, formal litigation may be the only way to address serious concerns. Our role is to explain the potential paths in clear terms and to help you weigh the practical impact each option may have on your finances and your family relationships.

Communication is at the center of how we work. We strive to explain legal terms in plain language and to answer questions as they arise. Members of our team can meet with you in English or Spanish, which can be especially important when multiple generations of a family are involved. We also discuss fees and payment plans with you at the outset so that you understand how costs will be handled.

If you are considering hiring an estate litigation lawyer Bronx residents rely on, we invite you to contact Jayson Lutzky to talk through your situation. A free consultation can help you understand whether formal action makes sense and how we can support you if you decide to move forward.