Wills & Estates

Decades of Experience

Decades of Experience The Law Offices of David Shakarchi offers over 35 years of trusted experience in probating wills and administrating estates in Israel, New York, and New Jersey, guiding families through complex inheritance procedures with clarity and care. We also handle real estate transactions across these jurisdictions—whether buying, selling, or resolving title issues—ensuring compliance with local laws and protecting our clients’ interests every step of the way. In addition, our firm bridges international legal systems with precision and responsiveness. For more than 35 years, we’ve successfully litigated personal injury cases from inception through jury verdict, securing millions of dollars in aggregate recoveries. Our reputation is built on strategic advocacy, rigorous preparation, and a relentless commitment to justice—whether in the courtroom or across borders. We also represent clients in commercial litigation and collection matters in Israel, New York, and New Jersey, aggressively pursuing contractual claims, business disputes, and recovery actions with precision and resolve.

Services

- Drafting wills
- Trusts
- Powers of attorney & healthcare proxies
- Probate and administration
- Estate disputes
- Cross-border planning

Cross-Border Focus

- Align NY/Israel wills
- Prevent conflicts
- Reduce double taxation

Process

- Asset inventory
- Drafting documents
- Proper execution
- Ongoing updates
- Probate & succession filings
- Dispute resolution

FAQs

Do I need a will in both NY & Israel?
Yes, it’s highly advisable to have a separate will for assets located in New York or New Jersey and another for assets in Israel. This dual-will approach streamlines the probate process in each jurisdiction, allowing Israeli assets to be probated under Israeli law with an Israeli will, and U.S. assets to be handled locally with a New York or New Jersey will. It spares your beneficiaries from the burdensome task of notarizing and apostilling numerous documents across borders, making the administration of your estate far more efficient, cost-effective, and legally secure.
Surrogate’s Court in New York and New Jersey is a specialized court that handles matters related to wills, estates, and guardianships. Its primary function is to oversee the probate process—the legal procedure for validating a will and administering a deceased person’s estate. This includes appointing executors or administrators, resolving disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, and supervising the distribution of assets according to the will or state law if no will exists.
The time it takes to probate a will or administer an estate varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction and complexity of the case. In Israel, the process typically takes between 4 to 8 months, depending on the district, the workload of the registrar, and whether the estate is contested or involves foreign assets. Straightforward cases with properly drafted Israeli wills tend to move faster, especially when all heirs consent and documentation is complete. In New York, probate duration depends heavily on the county. In less congested counties, it may take as little as 3 to 6 months, while in busier jurisdictions like Kings or Queens, it can stretch to a year. Delays often arise from missing documents, disputes among heirs, or the need to locate beneficiaries. In New Jersey, the probate process is generally more streamlined, often taking around 6 months for uncontested estates. However, if there are objections, creditor claims, or complex assets, the timeline can extend significantly.
Minimizing taxes during probate or estate administration in Israel, New York, and New Jersey requires careful planning and the guidance of a qualified tax expert. In Israel, while there is no formal estate tax, capital gains and property transfer taxes may apply—especially for real estate or business assets. In New York and New Jersey, estate and inheritance taxes can be significant depending on the size of the estate and the residency status of the decedent. Strategic use of jurisdiction-specific wills, trusts, lifetime gifts, and proper asset titling can reduce exposure to these taxes and streamline probate. Having separate wills tailored to each jurisdiction helps avoid cross-border complications and unnecessary filings. A tax expert can also help structure the estate to take advantage of exemptions, deductions, and valuation strategies that reduce the taxable estate. Ultimately, proactive planning with legal and tax professionals ensures that beneficiaries receive their inheritance efficiently and with minimal tax burden.

Plan your estate or manage probate - free consultation today.

Contact Us