Trust Litigation Lawyer New York County, NY
Trust litigation in New York County—Manhattan—involves disputes arising from wills, trusts, and fiduciary relationships. These matters are heard primarily in the New York County Surrogate’s Court at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and interested parties in contested trust proceedings, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, will contests, trust construction disputes, and accountings. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, has practiced since 1997 and built a multidisciplinary team that addresses the financial, tax, and procedural complexities unique to New York trust litigation. Because New York’s estate tax imposes a cliff effect—estates exceeding 105% of the state exemption face tax on the entire estate, not just the excess—trust disputes in New York County often carry substantial financial consequences. The firm’s approach is to resolve trust conflicts efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Trust Litigation Means in New York County
Trust litigation in New York County encompasses any court proceeding that involves a disagreement over the administration, interpretation, or validity of a trust. The New York County Surrogate’s Court, located at 60 Centre Street, handles all trust and estate matters. Common types of trust disputes include allegations that a trustee breached their fiduciary duty, challenges to a trust’s validity based on undue influence or lack of capacity, disagreements over the meaning of trust terms, and contested accountings. New York’s Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) provide the statutory framework. Because Surrogate’s Court proceedings are specialized, counsel with familiarity in local practice and procedure—including the court’s calendar, motion rules, and settlement conference protocols—can help parties navigate the process efficiently. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in New York County trust disputes, addressing both the procedural demands of the Surrogate’s Court and the substantive legal questions under EPTL and SCPA.
In Manhattan, trust litigation can involve high-value assets and complex family dynamics. The New York County Surrogate’s Court regularly hears matters where trust instruments were drafted in other jurisdictions, offshore entities, or multi-generational estate plans. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring a practical understanding of how New York courts treat fiduciary duties, the evidentiary standards for proving lack of capacity or undue influence, and the procedural mechanisms available to protect trust assets during litigation. Whether a dispute involves a revocable living trust, an irrevocable insurance trust, or a charitable trust, the firm’s focus is on presenting a clear, well-supported case. The firm also helps clients evaluate the potential impact of New York’s estate tax cliff—which can render an entire estate taxable when it slightly exceeds the exemption threshold—on settlement negotiations and litigation strategy.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Trust Litigation Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a trust dispute, the firm begins with a thorough review of the trust instrument, any amendments, and the factual circumstances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assess whether there are grounds for relief under the EPTL or SCPA, evaluate the likely position of the adverse party, and discuss the practical costs and timeline of litigation. In many trust disputes, the firm explores resolution through negotiation or mediation before initiating formal court proceedings. When litigation is necessary, the firm prepares and files a petition or complaint in the New York County Surrogate’s Court, serves the necessary citations, and conducts discovery as permitted under the SCPA and applicable court rules.
Throughout litigation, the firm’s approach is to build a record that supports the client’s position while protecting their interests. This can involve retaining qualified attorneys—forensic accountants, valuation analysts, or medical professionals—to address factual issues such as the value of trust assets or the settlor’s capacity. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle motion practice, settlement conferences, and, if the matter does not resolve, trial. Because trust litigation can be protracted and emotionally charged, the firm focuses on clear communication with clients about the status of the case and the legal strategy at every stage. Results may vary. Each case turns on its unique facts.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings an analytical, evidence-focused approach to trust litigation, whether evaluating the credibility of witness testimony or scrutinizing financial records. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to trust and estate matters, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with experience in estate planning, tax law, and commercial litigation. This collective background allows the firm to address the full scope of trust disputes—from the interpretation of complex trust provisions to the valuation of closely held business interests held in trust. All attorneys engage with clients through Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which operates by appointment only.
For decedents dying in 2026, New York’s basic estate tax exclusion amount is $7,350,000, and estates exceeding 105% of that amount are taxed on the entire estate at rates from 3.06% to 16%.
Source: N.Y. Tax Law § 952(c)(2). New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of trust disputes does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handle in New York County?
The firm handles a range of trust disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, will contests that involve trust provisions, proceedings to construe trust terms, objections to trustee accountings, petitions to remove a trustee, and controversies over the validity of a trust instrument based on allegations of undue influence, fraud, or lack of testamentary capacity. Each matter is evaluated under the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law and Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What court hears trust litigation cases in New York County?
Trust litigation in New York County is heard in the New York County Surrogate’s Court, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. This court has exclusive jurisdiction over probate, trust administration, and fiduciary matters. The Surrogate’s Court operates under its own procedural rules, and proceedings can be initiated by petition. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a trustee be removed for breach of fiduciary duty in New York?
Yes. Under the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, a trustee may be removed for cause, including failure to comply with the terms of the trust, self-dealing, mismanagement of trust assets, or other breaches of fiduciary duty. The court may also remove a trustee if it finds that removal is in the best interests of the beneficiaries. The petition for removal must be supported by specific factual allegations. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does the New York estate tax cliff affect trust litigation?
New York’s estate tax cliff provides that when the taxable estate exceeds 105% of the state exemption, the entire estate is taxed, not just the amount over the threshold. This can have a significant impact on trust disputes, particularly where the trust holds assets that push the estate over the cliff. In settlement negotiations and litigation, the potential tax liability often influences the positions of the parties. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for trust litigation in New York County?
While individuals can represent themselves in Surrogate’s Court, trust litigation involves complex procedural and substantive law. An attorney can help navigate the court’s rules, gather evidence, examine witnesses, and present legal arguments under the EPTL and SCPA. Moreover, trust disputes often involve significant financial interests and family relationships, making objective legal counsel important. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to a consultation about a trust dispute?
If you have a copy of the trust instrument, prior accountings, correspondence with the trustee, and any relevant financial records, bring them to the consultation. Even if you do not have all documents, the firm can discuss the facts and evaluate the potential claims. A consultation allows Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to assess the merits of your case and explain the likely path forward. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Official resources: New York State Unified Court System · New York State Legislature
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.