About Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

About Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC — Real Estate Brooklyn, New York

Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC handles real estate Brooklyn clients alongside estate planning, estate tax, and probate matters — an integrated practice built for Kings County clients whose property and family legal needs overlap. The firm operates at the intersection of real estate and estate law, which is particularly relevant in Brooklyn where many property transfers arise from estates, family gifting strategies, or trust planning. The firm can be reached at (718) 414-6209 for consultations on property transactions and estate-related real estate matters. Find other real estate attorneys in Brooklyn for Kings County property representation.

Brooklyn’s substantial inventory of multi-generational family homes, co-ops with complex ownership histories, and investment properties held in estates makes the combination of real estate and estate law expertise especially valuable in Kings County. The firm’s attorneys understand both the transactional mechanics of a closing and the estate administration steps required when property changes hands through an inheritance or trust distribution.

What Clients Say

Clients of Connors and Sullivan describe a firm that handles the full scope of family property legal matters without requiring clients to coordinate between separate real estate and estate attorneys. The integrated approach saves time and reduces the risk of miscommunication when a property closing depends on a concurrent estate administration proceeding.

Real Estate Brooklyn — Practice Areas & Services

Real estate closings — purchase and sale representation for Kings County buyers and sellers including estate-owned properties.
Estate planning with real estate — structuring property ownership for families to minimize estate taxes and facilitate seamless transfer at death.
Estate and probate real estate sales — handling the sale of Brooklyn properties through Kings County Surrogate’s Court proceedings when required.
Real estate tax planning — advising Brooklyn property owners on capital gains, estate tax, and transfer tax minimization strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Brooklyn real estate transferred through an estate without going through probate?

Several estate planning tools allow Brooklyn real estate to transfer at death without a probate proceeding in Kings County Surrogate’s Court. A revocable living trust holds the property during your lifetime and transfers it directly to the named beneficiaries at death. Joint ownership with right of survivorship automatically passes the property to the surviving co-owner. A life estate deed reserves use during your lifetime while transferring the remainder interest to a beneficiary who takes full ownership upon your death. Each method has different tax, Medicaid, and control implications.

What estate taxes apply when inherited Brooklyn real estate is sold?

Inherited Brooklyn real estate receives a stepped-up basis equal to the property’s fair market value at the date of the original owner’s death under IRC §1014. This eliminates capital gains tax on appreciation during the original owner’s lifetime. However, New York State imposes its own estate tax on estates exceeding the state exemption (currently $7.16 million in 2024), and the federal estate tax applies to estates over the federal exemption. A combined real estate and estate planning attorney can help structure transactions to minimize both estate and capital gains exposure.

What is a fiduciary deed and when is it used in Brooklyn real estate transactions?

A fiduciary deed is a deed signed by a court-appointed executor, administrator, or trustee who is authorized to transfer property on behalf of an estate, trust, or incompetent person. In Brooklyn estate sales, the executor must obtain Letters Testamentary from Kings County Surrogate’s Court at 2 Johnson Street before signing a fiduciary deed. The deed must reference the fiduciary’s authority and is recorded at the Kings County Clerk’s office at 360 Adams Street after closing.

Quick Facts: Real Estate Law in Brooklyn, New York

Kings County Surrogate’s Court: Probate and Letters Testamentary for Brooklyn estate property sales at 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 — NYCourts.gov
New York State Estate Tax Exemption (2024): $7.16 million — estates above this threshold are taxed at rates up to 16% — NYS Department of Taxation and Finance
Stepped-Up Basis Rule: IRC §1014 gives heirs a tax basis equal to fair market value at the decedent’s death, eliminating capital gains on inherited appreciation — IRS Publication 551

What People Say About Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, located in Brooklyn, New York, is highly praised for their exceptional service in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Tax Law. Clients consistently highlight the professionalism, patience, and caring nature of the attorneys and staff, making complex processes feel smooth and manageable. With a strong emphasis on clear communication and personalized attention, many reviewers encourage others to seek their services for a positive and reassuring legal experience.

Google Reviews for Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

I recently went to Connors and Sullivan with my mother to help with her trust and will. I was completely blown away with how smooth they made the process feel. Both Nicole and Olivia were exceptional in their professionalism. They took the time to carefully explain everything to my mother even when my mother had asked the same question three times they always answered in a very caring manner. This was something my mother and I have been wanted to do but felt overwhelmed but honestly they made it seem so easy. I want to encourage anyone to give them a call for a consultation.

Attys. Justin Daley and William O’Connor proved to be excellent planning my will and estate. Courteous and professional . I felt I was in good hands. Highly recommended.

Great experience my domestic partner and I used them years ago and wanted to update some of our documents. The staff is kind and explains everything clearly. I recommend this law firm. Pleasant atmosphere the people are all very accommodating.

My partner and I want to express our sincere gratitude for all the assistance Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PPLC provided for the selling and purchasing of a cooperative apartment. The staff guided us through the process for seamless transition. The staff was always very professional, friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC.

Excellent. Professional and yet friendly. Very client oriented. Easy to reach. Always respond quickly to inquiries. Highly recommend.

Very professional and courteous service.

Great attorneys

Highly recommend!

Connor and Sullivan came highly recommended by my parents’ accountant. Lisa was thoughtful in her questions and suggested we work with a Spanish-speaking lawyer to ensure clear communication with my parents in their native language. We had the pleasure of meeting Nicole Donnelly, who was incredibly patient, kind, calm, and understanding of our situation. She provided valuable guidance and suggestions to help my parents through the process of creating their wills. Nicole was very responsive to my questions via email and took the time for multiple phone calls, which was especially helpful since I live in Connecticut and couldn’t always be in New York with my parents. I look forward to working with her again in the future.

My husband and I were seeking for a lawyer for a consultation about end-of-life issues for ourselves. My father recommended Connors & Sullivan to us, having himself met with attorneys from this firm while helping a church member with estate issues. Danielle and Irina were helpful and knowledgeable. They answered our questions and provided the information we needed.

Came in to get some estate planning docs drawn up. They were very professional and caring at the same time. I never felt rushed. Gladys and Barbara took the time to be sure that I understood everything and answered all my questions. Thank you for the peace of mind! I highly recommend!

The attorneys at Connors and Sullivan are very professional. They know what they are doing. They helped me and my wife and my Dad with estate planning. I am glad I went to them.

I met Nicole Donnelly back in September 2021 when my mom and I had our first consultation with her. Not only was Nicole bilingual which was a huge blessing, but she was so thoughtful and patient as mom and I had a million questions to ask. She has remained my attorney after the loss of my mom and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our attorney, Gladys, is very competent, efficient, and gives practical advice. Highly recommend

Good day,

Connors and Sullivan, Attorneys at Law, PLLC