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Kathryn Donnelly, Esq.

Phone: 646-820-4011

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Kathryn Donnelly, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at the Law Firm of Daniel J. Reiter, Esq. with over 17 years of experience as an attorney at Mental Hygiene Legal Service where she worked vigorously to protect and advocate for the rights of disabled individuals under the jurisdiction of New York’s Mental Hygiene Law.

Ms. Donnelly also has extensive experience in prosecuting attorney misconduct as a Principal Attorney for over 15 years at the Grievance Committee for the 2nd, 11th and 13th Judicial Districts of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department.

Ms. Donnelly is a current Board Member of the National Guardianship Association. She also remains active in the National Organization for Bar Counsel and is as a member of the Professional Discipline Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

In October 2022, Ms. Donnelly participated in a panel for the New York State Bar Association, entitled, “Women on the Move 2022 – Aftershocks: Implications of the Dobbs Decision.”

Ms. Donnelly is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and the State University of New York at Oswego. She is admitted to practice law in New York, Florida and the US Virgin Islands (Special Admission).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?

Generally, none. New York used to use the terms conservator (today’s version of guardian of the property) and committee (today’s version of guardian of the person). Many states still use the term conservator, but the concept is the same.

If I petition to have a guardian appointed in a Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 proceeding, will I have to serve as guardian?

No. Even if you are the “petitioner” – the person who is asking the judge to appoint a guardian – you can ask the judge to appoint someone else. If there are no family or friends willing and able to serve, the judge can appoint a non-profit organization or “independent” professional guardian to serve.

My disabled child is about to turn 18. Am I automatically able to make decisions for them when they turn 18?

No (except for limited exceptions). In New York, parents are the natural guardians of their children until age 18. However, once a child reaches 18, even if they are developmentally or intellectually disabled, a parent cannot automatically make decisions for their adult child. Guardianship is often necessary for developmentally and intellectually disabled adults who do not have capacity to manage their own affairs without assistance.

How long does it take to get a guardian appointed and authorized to act in a Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 proceeding?

There is no set time. However, from the time counsel is retained, it usually takes about 2-4 months total for the guardian to begin acting. However, if a guardian is needed immediately, the judge can appoint a “temporary guardian” while everything gets sorted out. This speeds up the process.

When is a Kinship Proceeding Necessary?

A Kinship Proceeding in New York Surrogate's Court is necessary primarily in two circumstances:

First, a Kinship Proceeding is often necessary when it is unclear who is entitled to inherit from a deceased person's estate. In New York, a deceased person is called a "decedent".

Second, a Kinship Proceeding is sometimes required to determine who will serve as administrator of an estate when the decedent died without a will and it is unclear who has the right to serve as administrator above all others. An "administrator" is like an executor of an estate of a person who died without a will. Dying without a will is known as dying "intestate".

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Kathryn Donnelly, Esq.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Our Clients Say

Kathryn Donnelly, Esq.

Practice Areas

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Our Clients Say

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