Syracuse Estate Attorney Guides Families Through Probate Process

Frederick P. Davies of Davies Law Firm helps Central New York families navigate estate administration and settlement.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Families facing the loss of a loved one often find themselves navigating unfamiliar legal territory while managing grief and practical decisions. Syracuse estate administration attorney Frederick P. Davies of Davies Law Firm explains the court processes, fiduciary duties, and timelines that shape estate settlement in Onondaga County.

Why it matters

Identifying whether a Will exists, appointing a fiduciary, gathering assets, addressing creditor claims, filing taxes, and eventually distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries can be complex and stressful for grieving families. Working with an experienced estate attorney helps ensure the decedent's wishes are properly carried out and the estate is settled efficiently.

The details

According to Davies, estate administration in New York follows different paths depending on whether a valid Will exists. With a Will, the probate process requires filing a petition with the Onondaga County Surrogate's Court to admit the Will and appoint the named Executor. Without a Will, the administration process follows New York's intestacy statute, which determines both who can serve as Administrator and who inherits based on family relationships. Certain assets may pass outside the court process entirely, but solely titled property generally requires formal court involvement.

  • The initial days following a death require specific practical steps like ordering death certificates, securing the residence, and maintaining essential utilities.
  • New York provides a seven-month window from the date Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued for most creditor claims to surface.
  • Once a fiduciary is appointed, they have significant legal responsibilities to keep estate funds separate, maintain detailed records, safeguard property, and communicate with beneficiaries.

The players

Frederick P. Davies

A Syracuse estate administration attorney at Davies Law Firm who helps Central New York families navigate the probate and estate settlement process.

Davies Law Firm

A Syracuse-based law firm focused on estate administration, probate, elder law, and estate planning, led by attorneys Frederick P. Davies and William P. Davies.

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What they’re saying

“The decision to open an estate depends on how assets are titled and their total value. Solely titled bank accounts, real estate owned in the decedent's name alone, business interests, and valuable personal property outside a trust typically require court involvement.”

— Frederick P. Davies, Syracuse estate administration attorney

“Identifying whether a Will exists is one of the earliest priorities. The original Will is often found in a labeled folder, home safe, with the drafting attorney, or in a safe deposit box. New York allows limited access to safe deposit boxes specifically to search for estate planning documents.”

— Frederick P. Davies, Syracuse estate administration attorney

What’s next

Once a fiduciary is appointed, they have seven months to address creditor claims before most are barred from being filed.

The takeaway

Working with an experienced estate attorney like Frederick P. Davies helps ensure Central New York families properly navigate the complex legal processes and timelines involved in estate administration, allowing them to focus on grieving and preserving the decedent's legacy.