Resources
Checklists, plain-English guides and official links, all in one place.
Words you’ll hear
Executor
The person named in a will to settle the estate.
Administrator
The person the court appoints when there is no will.
Surrogate’s Court
The New York court that handles wills and estates.
Letters
Court papers that give an executor or administrator authority.
Revocable trust
A trust you control during life that can keep assets out of probate.
Irrevocable trust
A trust you can’t easily change, often used in Medicaid planning.
Look-back period
The five years Medicaid reviews for transfers before applying.
Health care proxy
A form naming who makes medical decisions if you can’t.
Transfer-on-death deed
A deed that passes a home at death without probate.
Title insurance
Protection against hidden problems with ownership of property.
Helpful websites
Outside websites are run by others. We link to them for convenience. Last reviewed November 4, 2026.
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