My mother died in a nursing home.
I was told that I must file a proceeding in Surrogate's Court to obtain the money in her personal account. What proceeding do I file?
Answer
If that is the only asset or the value of the total assets are under $50,000, (exclusive of certain types of property, the clerk of court can provide more information as to whether you qualify), you may file a small estate proceeding. If over the relevant monetary amount, you must file a full administration or probate proceeding.