Petition for Letters of Administration d.b.n.
When the original administrator dies or can no longer serve, this form asks the court to appoint a replacement to finish settling the estate.
Choose your path
Replacing an administrator mid-case adds complexity.
The court needs to understand why the original administrator can no longer serve and verify that the estate still needs to be settled.
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When do you need this form?
The original administrator can no longer serve and the estate isn't fully settled.
This site provides general information, not legal advice. For legal counsel, consult a licensed attorney. Official forms are maintained by New York State and may change.
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Other administration forms
Petition for Letters of Administration
Someone died without a will. Before you can access their accounts or sell their property, you need to be officially appointed. This form starts that process.
PALAPetition for Ancillary Letters of Administration
When someone who lived outside New York died without a will but owned property here, this form asks the court to appoint an administrator for the NY property.
A-2Affidavit of Heirship
A sworn statement listing all the deceased person's legal heirs — their names, addresses, ages, and relationship to the deceased. Required in every administration proceeding.
A-4Affidavit of Due Diligence
Proof that you made a genuine effort to locate and notify all interested parties. Required when you can't find certain heirs or beneficiaries.
Need More Than Form ADM-DBN?
ADM-DBN is one step in a longer court process. If the estate also includes a house or other real property in Brooklyn, Keystone Pinnacle helps coordinate the filings, tax clearances, and the sale.
Schedule a 15-minute call. We'll walk you through the process, the timeline, and what documents you need.
Not legal advice. Estate property advisory and document preparation.