In New York, the traditional mechanism of distributing the property of a deceased client is accomplished through the probate process, which utilizes a last will and testament to govern the distribution of property upon the testator’s death. At death, the will is offered to the Surrogate’s Court for review and, once the will is validated, the estate is disposed of according to the testator’s desires.

This is true, of course, so long as no person objects to the will as offered.