When families face disputes involving trusts, estates, and fiduciary matters, Bridget M. Kelly provides thoughtful counsel grounded in both legal knowledge and an understanding of the personal challenges that often accompany Surrogate's Court litigation. She represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in complex estate and trust disputes, helping clients navigate sensitive matters while pursuing practical and effective resolutions.
Bridget focuses her practice on New York Surrogate's Court litigation and assists clients through all stages of contested estate and trust matters. Her experience includes document drafting, trials, hearings, depositions, discovery management and review, motion practice, examinations, settlement conferences, and mediation proceedings. She works closely with clients to develop strategies that protect their interests while remaining mindful of the family dynamics that frequently arise in inheritance disputes.
In addition to her litigation practice, Bridget has experience advising clients on estate planning and estate administration matters. Her background includes Medicaid planning and applications, probate and estate administration proceedings, guardianship matters, high-net-worth estate planning, and real estate transactions. This broad perspective allows her to understand how planning, administration, and litigation intersect, giving her valuable insight when disputes arise.
Bridget has also developed a particular interest in the evolving legal issues surrounding digital assets, privacy rights, and New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law Article 13-A. She regularly considers how modern technology and changing asset ownership structures affect estate planning, administration, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Estate and trust disputes often arise during emotionally difficult periods in a client's life. Bridget approaches these matters with compassion and sensitivity, understanding that clients are frequently balancing grief with complex legal and family concerns. She strives to provide thoughtful guidance and practical solutions throughout the litigation process.
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University (J.D.)
- Legal Scholars Award
- University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business (B.B.A.)
- Finance
- New York
- New York Metro Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (2025)
