New York Guide
What to do when someone dies in New York.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in New York. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in New York
Getting a Death Certificate in New York
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
New York Legal Requirements
New York has a state estate tax with a $6.94 million exemption. Small estates under $50,000 qualify for voluntary administration.
Average Funeral Costs in New York
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in New York?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $30 per copy (NYC), $15 upstate per copy from the New York State Department of Health.
How long does probate take in New York?
Straightforward probate in New York typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in New York?
New York requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in New York?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in New York, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.