The New York WD-3 form is a legal document used in the Surrogate's Court of the State of New York, specifically for individuals acting as administrators of an estate involving a wrongful death claim. It outlines the procedures for applying to compromise a wrongful death cause of action and to have an account of the administrator's proceedings judicially settled. This form provides a structured way to present the accounts of the estate's assets, claims against it, and distributions out of it, to the court for approval.
When someone steps into the role of administrat for a decedent's estate, confronting the myriad of responsibilities can be daunting, especially in cases involving wrongful death claims. In New York, the Form WD-3 surfaces as a vital tool under these circumstances, designed for administrats to seek judicial approval to settle wrongful death claims and detail their estate management activities. This document, officially titled under the Surrogate’s Court of the State of New York, requires a comprehensive account from the administrat concerning the deceased's assets, including claims against third parties responsible for the wrongful death, and the disposition of those assets. Furthermore, it outlines specific requests to the court, such as permission to compromise on the wrongful death claim and the allocation of the settlement among the decedent's rightful heirs. The WD-3 brings transparency to the administration process by detailing every transaction related to the estate, including legal fees, funeral expenses, and how remaining assets are to be distributed. Additionally, it provides a platform to address any claims against the estate, ensuring all parties' rights are considered and protected. The form encapsulates a meticulous process ensuring that the administrat's actions are under judicial scrutiny, promoting fairness and responsibility in managing the sensitive affairs of the decedent's estate with the ultimate goal of rightfully compensating those affected by the loss.
Form WD-3 (4/98)
SURROGATE’S COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF
In the Matter of the Application of
as Administrat
of the Goods, Chattels and
Credits which were of
ACCOUNT
Deceased.
File #
For leave to compromise a certain cause of action for
wrongful death of the decedent and to render and have
judicially settled an account of the proceedings as such
Administrat
.
TO THE SURROGATE’S COURT:
1. I
do render the following account of my
proceedings as administrat
of the goods, chattels and credits which were of
,
deceased, consisting of a claim against
, who is insured by
Insurance Company, for wrongful death arising on or about
as the result of an automobile accident involving the decedent and
2.Letters of Administration of the goods, chattels and credits of the decedent were issued to me on
_______________________, said letters being limited to the prosecution only, and not for the collection of any proceeds of, any action or claim for wrongful death. Simultaneously herewith, leave is being asked to
compromise the claim for wrongful death of the decedent for the sum of $
3.There is submitted with this account my petition as administrat________; and affidavit by
,Esq., attorney for the petitioner herein; a copy of the paid funeral bill; and waivers of the necessary parties.
4.In view of the facts and circumstances, it is my opinion that a satisfactory result has been achieved through the efforts of my attorneys, and they are requesting disbursements in the sum of
$
and that they receive thereafter a fee of
% of the net proceeds.
5.
The funeral bill in the sum of $
has been paid through no-fault insurance.
6.There are no outstanding hospital bills or doctors’ bills.
7.The only property coming into my hands is by reason of the compromise of the claim against the
Insurance Company in the sum of $
8. The decedent left surviving no other next of kin except
his/her widow/widower, and
his/her children. All of the above persons are entitled to share in the proceeds of the compromise.
(NOTE: WHERE THERE ARE NO DISTRIBUTEES UNDER A DISABILITY, THE RENDERING OF AN ACCOUNT IS USUALLY NOT REQUIRED.)
(NOTE: REIMBURSEMENT OF FUNDS PAID FOR FUNERAL AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, UNDER MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, ARE ALLOWABLE, AS ARE STATUTORY COMMISSIONS TO THE ADMINISTRAT(OR)(RIX). IF REIMBURSEMENT OR COMMISSIONS ARE NOT SOUGHT, THE PETITION SHOULD CONTAIN A WAIVER THEREOF).
9.There are no other claims or creditors of the estate that have been presented to or have come into my hands or knowledge except for the following:
a)The Commissioner of Social Services has submitted a claim of $
for public assistance rendered to decedent and his/her family for the years
. This claim was rejected.
b)
has submitted a claim for $
based on
This claim was rejected.
c) Decedent’s father/mother,
has sought a share of the recovery based on an alleged pecuniary loss. This claim was rejected.
10. The following are the only persons interested in this proceeding:
[L IST NAMES OF DISTRIBUTEES, ETC .]
NAME
RELATIONSHIP
DATE OF BIRTH
County Department
of Social Services
Possible Creditor
New York State Tax Commission
Attorneys
Defendant
Insurance Company
Defendant’s Insurance Company
11.I charge myself as follows with the amount to be received on compromise of the claim for wrongful death against
Insurance Company:
-2-
12. I credit myself as follows:
a) With the amount to be paid to
Esqs., attorneys, including disbursements:
b) With the amount to be paid to
widow/widower and distributee: (
%)
c) With the amount to be paid to the guardian of the person
and property of
infant, jointly with the Trust Officer of
Bank (
%):
d) with the amount to be paid to
son/daughter (
Total:
Leaving no balance.
Dated:
STATE OF NEW YORK
SS.:
being duly sworn, deposes and says:
That I am the administrat_______ /accountant in the above estate, having been duly appointed by a
decree of this Court.
The foregoing account of proceedings contains to the best of my knowledge and belief a true and complete statement of my receipts and disbursements in the estate of
of all monies and other property belonging to the estate or fund which have come into my hands or which have been received by any person or persons by my order or authority for use since my appointment, and a full and true statement of account of the manner in which I have disposed of same and all property remaining in my hands at the present time, and a full and true account of the nature of each and every transaction may by me since my appointment.
I do not know of any error or omission in said account to the prejudice of any person interested in
said estate or fund.
___________________________________
Sworn to before me this
day of
Notary Public
(Form WD-3)
-3-
Filling out the New York WD-3 form requires careful attention to detail as it involves reporting the proceedings of an administrator managing assets from a wrongful death claim. This document is vital for documenting the management and distribution of the decedent’s assets, ensuring all actions taken are properly recorded and accounted for in the Surrogate’s Court. Below are the steps needed to complete the form accurately. These instructions aim to simplify the process, making it more manageable and less overwhelming.
Completing the WD-3 form is a serious responsibility that requires accurate representation of all proceedings related to the estate and wrongful death claim. By following these steps highlighted, the process is made clearer and can be completed more efficiently, ensuring all legal requirements are met with due diligence..
What is Form WD-3 and when is it used?
Form WD-3, also known as the Surrogate’s Court Form, is a legal document used in the state of New York. It is utilized when an administrator of the estate of a deceased person wishes to compromise a claim for wrongful death and to have an account of their proceedings judicially settled. This form is specifically employed to report and authorize the settlement of a wrongful death claim, alongside detailing the administration of the decedent's estate assets.
Who needs to fill out Form WD-3?
An administrator of the estate, appointed by the Surrogate's Court to manage the decedent's goods, chattels, and credits, is required to fill out Form WD-3. This person is responsible for the estate's administration, including the settlement of all claims and distribution of assets, in this case, related to a wrongful death claim.
What information is required on Form WD-3?
The form requires detailed information regarding the deceased, the claim against the responsible party, the proposed settlement amount, attorney details, payments made for funeral and administrative expenses, any outstanding bills, property received through the compromise, and the distribution of the settlement to the decedent’s next of kin or other beneficiaries.
What are Letters of Administration mentioned in Form WD-3?
Letters of Administration are legal documents issued by the Surrogate’s Court, authorizing an individual to act as the administrator of the deceased’s estate. For the context of Form WD-3, these letters specifically allow the administrator to pursue wrongful death claims but not necessarily to collect the proceeds of such claims without further court approval.
How is the settlement divided among the decedent's next of kin?
What happens to the decedent’s debts and claims against the estate?
Form WD-3 requires the administrator to list any claims or creditors of the estate, including rejected claims. It specifically mentions handling claims for public assistance, creditor claims, and claims from family members for pecuniary loss. The administrator is responsible for settling these claims, including determining which claims are legitimate and should be paid from the estate.
Are funeral and administrative expenses reimbursable through Form WD-3?
Yes, the form notes that reimbursement of funds paid for funeral and other administrative expenses are allowable under most circumstances. These expenses can be deducted from the estate before distribution if not already covered by insurance or other means.
What does it mean to "render and have judicially settled an account of the proceedings"?
This phrase refers to the process of officially reporting and obtaining court approval for the actions taken by the administrator in managing and settling the estate, including the wrongful death claim. It ensures transparency and that the settlement is fairly distributed among the entitled beneficiaries.
How does the Surrogate's Court use the information provided in Form WD-3?
The Surrogate's Court reviews the information provided in Form WD-3 to ensure that the wrongful death claim is being settled appropriately and that the estate is being managed in accord with New York State laws. The court’s approval is necessary to finalize the settlement and distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.
Where can I obtain Form WD-3?
Form WD-3 can be obtained from the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death or from New York State's Unified Court System’s website. It’s important to obtain the most current version of the form and to follow any specific instructions provided by the local court.
Filling out the New York WD-3 form, which is used in the Surrogate's Court for accounting in estate administration matters, can be daunting. Avoiding common errors can streamline the process, ensuring a smoother legal proceeding and potentially faster resolution. Here are eight common mistakes to watch out for:
When filling out the New York WD-3 form, attention to detail is crucial. Accurate and complete information helps ensure the process moves forward without unnecessary hiccups. If in doubt, consulting with a professional versed in New York's estate administration laws can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind throughout the process.
Filling out the form correctly the first time can save considerable time and effort by avoiding the need for amendments or corrections. By being diligent and thorough, you can help streamline the administrative process for everyone involved.
When managing the estate of a deceased individual in New York, particularly in matters of wrongful death claims, various forms and documents often accompany the Form WD-3. These documents are essential for a comprehensive legal approach to estate management, ensuring all aspects of the case are thoroughly documented and in compliance with New York State laws.
To navigate the complexities of estate administration and wrongful death claims effectively, it's crucial to understand and accurately complete these accompanying forms and documents. Each plays a vital role in the legal process, ensuring the decedent’s estate is managed fairly, legally, and in the best interests of all parties involved. By doing so, administrators can fulfill their duties responsibly, mitigating the risks of legal complications or disputes among heirs or other stakeholders.
The New York WD-3 form, used in the Surrogate’s Court, shares similarities with the Decedent Estate Account form. Both documents serve as formal records for administrators or executors managing a deceased person’s estate. The primary purpose of these forms is to account for the financial activities related to the estate, including income received, expenses paid, and distributions made to beneficiaries or heirs. They provide a clear, itemized record of the transactions carried out by the administrator or executor, ensuring transparency and facilitating oversight by the court or interested parties.
Another document resembling the WD-3 form is the Petition for Probate form. This document is filed to initiate the probate process, seeking the court's approval to validate the deceased’s will and appoint an executor. While the focus of the Petition for Probate is to begin the legal process of managing a decedent’s estate, both this and the WD-3 form are integral to the administration of estates. They both require detailed information about the deceased, their assets, and the proposed handling of the estate, although each serves a different stage in the probate process.
The Compromise Agreement form, often used in legal settings where disputes are settled, parallels the WD-3 form in its purpose to finalize an agreement, specifically relating to wrongful death claims as mentioned in the WD-3. This document is critical when the parties involved in a lawsuit agree on a settlement amount, similar to how the WD-3 accounts for the compromise settlement of a wrongful death claim. Both documents are instrumental in resolving disputes and require judicial approval to ensure the agreement is fair and in the best interests of the involved parties.
The Release and Settlement of Claim form is comparable to the WD-3 form in that it is used to document the resolution of a claim, such as a wrongful death claim handled by estate administrators. This form typically enunciates the terms under which parties agree to release each other from further liability, including the settlement amount, similar to how the WD-3 details the settlement of the wrongful death claim and the distribution of proceeds among the entitled parties. It serves as a critical legal document to confirm the closure of a claim and prevent future disputes.
The Inventory of Assets form is another document with functions akin to the WD-3 form within the context of estate management. It provides a comprehensive list of all assets belonging to a decedent at the time of death. Similarly, the WD-3 includes a declaration of the assets gained through the settlement of a claim, with both forms serving to document the property involved in an estate. These inventories ensure accurate accounting and fair management of estate assets, aiding in their eventual distribution.
Lastly, the Statement of Account form, used in various legal and financial contexts to detail transactions over a period, resembles the WD-3 form in its role of accounting for estate administration activities. It lists all financial transactions, including receipts, disbursements, and the balance of accounts. The WD-3 form similarly accounts for the financial transactions associated with the wrongful death claim settlement, providing a transparent record of the administrator’s actions regarding the estate’s assets.
In summary, while each of these documents serves a unique role within the legal system, they collectively function to ensure the fair, transparent, and orderly administration of estates and the resolution of claims. The New theology York WD-3 form, in particular, bridges the gap between administrative accounting and the settlement of wrongful death claims, embodying elements found in various legal documents to fulfill its purpose within the Surrogate’s Court proceedings.
When you're filling out the New York WD-3 form, which relates to matters of wrongful death and the administration of an estate, there are important steps to follow and common pitfalls to avoid. Being precise and thorough in your approach is key. Here's a guide to help you navigate this process effectively:
Things you should do:
Double-check the details: Ensure that the names, dates, and financial amounts you list are accurate. Mistakes here can lead to delays or complications.
Include all required documentation: Attach the petition, affidavits, funeral bill, and waivers from necessary parties. Missing documents can stall the process.
Review the distribution list carefully: Make sure all next of kin and possible creditors are correctly listed with their relationship to the decedent and their contact information.
Be clear about financial details: Clearly state the financial amounts received, such as the compromise claim and disbursements to attorneys and distributees.
Sign and date the form properly: Ensure that your signature is witnessed by a notary public. An unsigned or improperly signed form is not valid.
Provide a comprehensive account: Include a full account of your proceedings as an administrator, detailing your receipts, disbursements, and any transactions made.
Things you shouldn't do:
Don’t leave sections blank: If a section does not apply, write “N/A” or “None” rather than leaving it empty, to show that you did consider the question.
Avoid estimates or rounded figures: Provide exact amounts whenever possible. Estimates can lead to questions about the accuracy of your accounting.
Don’t overlook the waiver requirements: If you are not seeking reimbursement or commissions, ensure you include a waiver thereof in your petition.
Resist the urge to skip legal advice: Even though you can fill out the form yourself, consulting with an attorney can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your document fully complates with legal requirements.
Avoid assuming simplicity: Understand that wrongful death claims and estate administration can be complex. Ensure you fully comprehend all aspects before submitting the form.
By following these guidelines, you can more effectively navigate the completion and submission of the New York WD-3 form, helping to ensure the process moves smoothly and efficiently.
When dealing with the New York WD-3 form, used in Surrogate's Court proceedings to account for the administration of an estate with a wrongful death claim, there are several common misconceptions. Understanding the truth behind these misconceptions can help administrators, beneficiaries, and attorneys navigate the complexities of estate management and wrongful death litigation more effectively.
This belief is inaccurate. While the form is complex, an individual acting as an administrator of an estate can also use it. Proper guidance, however, is recommended to ensure accuracy.
In fact, submitting this form is a step in the process. It documents the administrator's account but does not, by itself, finalize the wrongful death claim.
Although the WD-3 form is comprehensive regarding the wrongful death claim, it does not address all aspects of estate management, such as non-wrongful death assets and claims.
Contrary to this belief, the court must approve the account submitted through the WD-3 form, including the proposed distribution of the wrongful death proceeds.
The distribution of proceeds is subject to specific laws and court approval. The WD-3 form's proposed allocations are not final until the court reviews and approves them.
While certain funeral expenses are reimbursable, they must be reasonable and necessary. Approval for reimbursement is subject to the court's discretion.
This statement simply indicates no known outstanding medical bills at the time of submission. Other estate debts may exist and need to be settled.
This misconception overlooks the broader definition of legal next of kin, which can include parents, siblings, or more distant relatives, depending on the state's succession laws.
Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for anyone involved in administering an estate or handling a wrongful death claim in New York. Correctly filling out and submitting the WD-3 form is a significant step, but it's part of a larger legal process requiring attention to detail and, often, legal assistance.
Understanding the New York WD-3 form is crucial for administrators managing the estate of a deceased individual, particularly in cases involving wrongful death claims. Here are six key takeaways that highlight the important aspects of filling out and using this form effectively:
Overall, the New York WD-3 form serves as a critical tool for administrators to navigate the complexities of managing estates, especially in wrongful death cases. By accurately completing and submitting this form, along with the required documentation, administrators can fulfill their duties effectively, uphold their fiduciary responsibilities, and facilitate the fair resolution and distribution of the estate.
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