Why You Don’t Want Your Minor Child to Inherit Property in New York

Inheriting property can be complex, especially when the beneficiary is a minor. In New York, the legal challenges that arise when a minor child inadvertently inherits a deceased parent's property are significant. Understanding these challenges and how to address them is crucial to ensuring the minor’s interests are protected and the property is managed effectively.

Minors, defined as individuals under 18 years of age, cannot legally own or manage property in their own name in New York. When a minor inherits property, specific legal interventions are necessary to allow for management of the property until the minor reaches adulthood. Minors lack the legal capacity to sign documents or manage property, making it impossible for them to handle any legal or financial responsibilities associated with the inheritance.

To address this, a guardian of the estate must be appointed to manage the minor’s property. The guardianship process begins with filing a petition with the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the minor resides. The proposed guardian, often a close relative, must present their case to the court, demonstrating their ability to responsibly manage the property. This involves a court hearing where the judge evaluates the proposed guardian's relationship to the minor, financial responsibility, and overall suitability for the role. If approved, the court issues Letters of Guardianship, granting the guardian legal authority to manage the minor’s property.

Managing an inherited property involves handling ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance costs, and insurance. The appointed guardian must ensure these responsibilities are met to preserve the property’s value. Additionally, the guardian must act in the best interests of the minor, making prudent financial decisions and possibly investing the property’s income for the minor’s benefit.

A better way to manage property inherited by a minor is through a trust. Trusts provide greater control and protection by specifying how and when the property should be used and distributed. Both guardianships and trusts require careful planning. When a minor inherits property, it can be challenging to navigate the court system while grieving the loss of a loved one.

Proactively planning for your children’s future not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your wishes are honored and your children are well cared for. Let us help you navigate these important decisions with compassion and expertise. Give us a call at 516-570-4016 to discuss your plan.