Judicial Insight

Everyday Law · Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York

Sep 30, 2026 · 2021-04644 · Appeal

A decedent and a guardian attorney discuss legal fees in a courthouse hallway.AI illustration

Estate fights $35k bill for legal fees after death

A decedent disputes legal fees for guardianship after passing away.

TL;DR

  1. 1An administrator appealed a $35k fee for a deceased person's legal costs.
  2. 2The court ordered the deceased to pay legal and evaluator fees before they passed away.
  3. 3The new administrator wants the fees removed, but the court may not agree.

Appeal

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Should the estate still pay the $35k legal bill after the person's death?

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