New York allows estates under $50,000 to use a simplified Voluntary Administration procedure, which is a form rather than a court case and typically doesn't require an attorney. For larger estates, formal probate is involved enough that retaining counsel is usually practical — the procedural work is what they're there for. Use the New York probate calculator to estimate the costs.

In New York, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; estates near or above the New York estate tax threshold; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.

New York has an unusual fee split: attorney fees are negotiable, but the executor's compensation is set by statute — about $19,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8% of itSCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026. That makes the executor portion predictable, which is useful when a family member is serving as executor and isn't sure what to charge.

Start by filtering the directory above by your county and the practice area you need. Look for firms with experience in your specific situation — board certifications in estate planning, trust, or probate law are a strong signal. Most New York estate planning attorneys offer an initial consultation; some are free, others charge a flat fee. Ask up front whether the firm bills by the hour or by flat-fee package, and what the expected cost is for your situation.