Bonnie Lawston

We provide probate , estate administration and trust services to clients
that have a loved one that died a resident of New York, Long Island or has
real estate in New York but died in another state.

We also provide extensive estate planning services to our clients that reside in New York.

A large part of our practice is working with out-of-state executors, heirs,
beneficiaries and trustees who reside in Florida, Texas, New Jersey, North
and South Carolina, Maryland, and other U.S. states as it relates to the New
York or Florida Estate or Trust matter.

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Estate Planning

Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

• Estate Administration
• Fiduciary Rights and Duties
• Fiduciary Commissions
• Ancillary Estate & Administration Proceedings
• Inheritance Rights

• Zoom

• Free Consultation
  Initial consultations are free!

Connecticut

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch

Since 1993

Florida

The Florida Bar

Since 2016

New York

New York State Office of Court Administration

ID Number: 2597169

Since 1994

Founder

Law Office of Bonnie Lawston, P.C.

Current

Certified Member

Guardian Ad Litem Panel for Surrogate Court in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Current

Former Certified Member

18B Family and Criminal Court Panel for Suffolk County Courts,

Current

Former Certified Member

Referee Panel for Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Current

Touro Law School

Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus

B.A. (1989) | Criminal Justice

1985 - 1989

Honors: Criminal Justice Honors

Activities: President Criminal Justice Association - 2 years

Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus

B.A. (1989) | Criminal Justice

1985 - 1989

Honors: Criminal Justice Honors

Activities: President Criminal Justice Association - 2 years

New York State Bar

Member

1994 - Current

WHAT DO I DO WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES? by Bonnie Lawston | Mar 3, 2020

March 3, 2020

Q. Mother past away, her portion of aunt's will to split between my sister & I. Lawyer hasn't sent info to start.

February 28, 2022

A: You may compel an accounting 7 months after the appointment of a fiduciary and admitting the Will to probate. The accounting would also force the estate to distribute the funds. You do not need to be in NY but retain the services of an attorney who practices in NY. Our clients who have interests in NY and Florida estates, live all over the country.

Q. Can a sole executor of a will (also a beneficiary) sell real property without the other beneficiaries approval ?

January 20, 2022

A: The executor has the right and obligation to administer the estate which generally means selling the real property as soon as reasonable possible and appropriate. The executor must do what’s right for the estate and maximize the inheritance no matter who is the beneficiary.

Q. My dad passed on August 20 2021 and my mom passed on June 27 2021, i live in my dads house and have since 1995 this has

September 21, 2021

A: If the deed was held as husband and wife, with rights of survivorship, then it passes to the last spouse, your father who died after your mom. Your father’s children share in his estate. You can buy them out at fair market value and save on broker fees and other.