What to Do When Someone Dies in New York
First steps after a death in New York depend on whether there is a will, whether there is solely owned real property, and whether personal property is $50,000 or less.
Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.
Sources
- New York CourtHelp - Probate, accessed 2026-05-16
- New York CourtHelp - Small Estate / Voluntary Administration, accessed 2026-05-16
- New York State Department of Health - Death Certificates, accessed 2026-05-16
If You Are the Named Executor in New York
In plain terms: if you are handling a New York estate, start with the records and court tasks below, at a steady pace. The details under each step explain exactly what to do.
If you are the named executor, personal representative, administrator, or the family member organizing a New York estate, start with the state-specific records, court, and transfer tasks below. Check each step against the current county office or agency handling the estate.
- Order death certificates from the correct vital records office
Confirm this New York task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
- Locate the original will if one exists
Confirm this New York task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
- Identify probate and nonprobate assets
Confirm this New York task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
- Check whether the estate may qualify for voluntary administration
Confirm this New York task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
- Secure property and mail
Confirm this New York task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
Timeline of Tasks
Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.
Immediately
First Week
First Month
Ongoing
Who to Notify
Documents to Gather
Death Certificates
Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.
How to get death certificates →Will & Trust Documents
Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.
Probate guide →Financial Statements
Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.
Asset transfer guide →What Comes Next?
After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. Use the New York assessment to sort what may apply.
More New York Resources
Explore the rest of the New York probate hub.