Families across Nassau County — from Hempstead to Garden City, Great Neck to Massapequa — face the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court when a loved one passes. Whether the estate holds a modest home in Levittown or significant assets, the probate process follows the same court-controlled path under the SCPA and EPTL.
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
Russel Morgan, Esq. will review your situation and clarify the steps required in Nassau County Surrogate’s Court:
| Stage | Legal Basis | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| File Petition + original will + certified death certificate | SCPA §1414 | Week 1–2 |
| Jurisdiction over distributees via waiver/consent or citation | SCPA §1414 | Weeks 2–6 |
| Preliminary Letters Testamentary (interim authority) | SCPA §1412 | While petition pending |
| Decree & Letters Testamentary issued | SCPA §1414 | ~3–6 months uncontested |
| Executor collects assets, pays debts/taxes, distributes | EPTL | Post-decree |
Court filing fees are graduated by estate value under SCPA §2402 — confirm the exact amount with the court or counsel. Attorney fees typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for uncontested matters.
Nassau County-Specific Considerations
- NY estate tax 2026 exclusion: $7,350,000; estates above $7,717,500 lose the exclusion entirely (the “cliff”)
- Small estates without real property may qualify under SCPA Article 13 voluntary administration
- Contested probate matters are resolved in Nassau County Surrogate’s Court; see also our Surrogate’s Court guide and executor duties overview
Ready to begin? Book a 30-minute consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq.:
External references: NY Surrogate’s Court · NY Estate Tax
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: when you should bring in a probate attorney.