NEW YORK – The family fight over Brooke Astor’s $198 million estate is on hold until at least May while the late philanthropist’s son faces criminal charges of plundering her fortune.

Westchester County Surrogate’s Court Judge Anthony Scarpino agreed Friday to put a stay on the civil case surrounding Astor’s will until May 7. Depositions had been scheduled to start Monday.

But Manhattan prosecutors asked the judge to postpone action in the case while they pursue grand larceny and other charges against Astor’s 83-year-old son, Anthony Marshall. He has pleaded not guilty.

The civil case centers on which of two wills, signed at various dates, best conveys Astor’s true intentions.

Astor, known for decades as the doyenne of New York society and philanthropy, gave away nearly $200 million to institutions before dying in August at age 105. She left a fortune estimated at more than $130 million and a trust valued at more than $60 million.