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After a parent dies · New York
Small estates in New York: collecting a parent's property without full probate
In New York, when there is a will and personal property of $50,000 or less, the named executor has the first right to act as voluntary administrator by filing an affidavit within 30 days after filing the will. In New York, certain personal property is not counted toward the $50,000 limit when a qualified spouse or minor children survive.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In New York, when there is a will and personal property of $50,000 or less, the named executor has the first right to act as voluntary administrator by filing an affidavit within 30 days after filing the will. Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02315.070 (New York). Checked November 2, 2026
- In New York, certain personal property is not counted toward the $50,000 limit when a qualified spouse or minor children survive. Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02315.070 (New York). Checked November 2, 2026
- New York has public administrators in Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Erie, Monroe, Nassau, Onondaga, Suffolk and Westchester counties. Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02315.070 (New York). Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for New York
- How to order a death certificate in New York
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Small estates: collecting a parent's property without full probate: all states
Neighbouring states
- Small estates in Connecticut: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Massachusetts: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Pennsylvania: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Vermont: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Questions
Where do these New York facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02315.070 (New York). We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in New York or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.