Estate Administration Paralegal

MDS Staffing; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing seeks an Estate Administration Paralegal to support a Suffolk County law team from Smithtown or Melville, NY. You will assist attorneys in probate, estate administration, asset collection, and distributions to beneficiaries.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in trusts and estates, a paralegal certificate or degree, and strong drafting, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency with MS Office and legal case management software is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• 3+ years experience as a Trusts & Estates or Estate Administration paralegal.
• Knowledge of probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules.
• Familiarity with estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate's Court.
• Collect and value estate assets, including obtaining date-of-death valuations.
• Draft and file inventories, accountings, receipts and releases, and consents.
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and government agencies.
• Monitor deadlines and maintain estate administration calendars.
• Prepare estate tax returns (IRS Form 706) and fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) with CPAs.
• Review and reconcile estate bank statements and prepare informal accountings.
• Assist with trust funding, trust administration, and post-mortem planning.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Detail-orientated

Drafting support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management software

Job description

Our client is seeking an Estate Administration Paralegal to join its legal team. Working out of Smithtown, NY or Melville, NY, he/she will assist attorneys in all aspects of estate and trust administration, including probate proceedings, asset collection, and distribution to beneficiaries. This position requires strong communication, drafting, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate's Court
• Collecting and valuing estate assets, including obtaining date-of-death valuations
• Draft and file legal documents such as inventories, accountings, receipts and releases, and consents
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and government agencies on behalf of the attorney
• Monitor deadlines and maintain estate administration calendars and checklists
• Prepare estate tax returns (Internal Revenue Service Form 706 and state estate tax forms) and fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) in coordination with CPAs
• Review and reconcile estate bank statements and prepare informal accountings
• Assist with trust funding, trust administration, and post-mortem planning

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate preferred
• 3+ years of experience as a Trusts & Estates or Estate Administration paralegal
• Knowledge of probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules
• Familiarity with estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management software

Salary is between 70K-90K plus solid benefits