How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Rensselaer County, New York?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Rensselaer County.
We found 7 estate law firms serving Rensselaer County. Rensselaer County is part of the Capital Region region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Rensselaer County Surrogate's Court.
New York uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Rensselaer County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in New York are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026 to 4%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Rensselaer County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Surrogate's Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Capital Region Firms
Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.C.
FirmRepresents clients in Albany, Schenectady, Troy and surrounding areas. Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts.
Location
5 Pine West Plaza, Suite 507Albany, NY 12205
Phone
(518) 456-0082
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningTrust Administration
Visit site
Harris-Pero Law Firm, PLLC
FirmProvides estate planning (wills and trusts), estate settlement, elder law (including Medicaid applications), and business law with particular expertise serving agricultural businesses and farms.
Location
538 Maple Avenue, Suite CSaratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone
(518) 860-5668
Established
2015
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawTrust Administration
Visit site
Herzog Law Firm
FirmHelps families navigate fulfillment of loved ones wishes and distribute assets to beneficiaries. One of the longest-established estate planning firms in the Capital Region.
Location
7 Southwoods Blvd, Suite 301Albany, NY 12211
Phone
(518) 465-7581
Established
1946
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawTrust Administration
Free consultationVisit site
Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC
FirmCapital Region trusts and estates practice with over 280 years of combined attorney experience. Estate planning, trust administration, estate litigation, Medicaid planning, elder law, special needs planning, business planning, and tax planning.
Location
43 British American BoulevardLatham, NY 12110
Phone
(518) 459-2100
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTrust LitigationTax PlanningElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
PSGG Law (Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC)
FirmServes Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Saratoga (Capital District). Complete range of probate and administrative services. One of the oldest law firms in New York State.
Location
22 First StreetTroy, NY 12180
Phone
(518) 266-1000
Established
1813
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder Law
Visit site
The Towne Law Firm, P.C.
FirmCapital Region full-service firm with offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Burnt Hills. Estate planning, administration and litigation including complex probate and administration proceedings, wills, trusts, health care proxies, guardianships, and powers of attorney.
Location
500 New Karner RoadAlbany, NY 12205
Phone
(518) 452-1800
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTrust LitigationElder LawGuardianship
Free consultationVisit site
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The New York self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
New York uses reasonable fees for probate. Typical Rensselaer County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Surrogate's Court
Rensselaer County
Rensselaer County Courthouse, 80 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone:
518-285-6100Fax:
518-285-5091
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more
