Expert Legal Counsel for all of your estate planning needs

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Estate planning is the process of determining how your assets will be distributed after your death.  That process can sometimes entail protecting assets in the event that you require nursing home care, making provisions for individuals with disabilities, or minimizing the effect of estate taxes.  Estate planning also can entail the drafting of powers of attorney, health care proxies and living will.

We understand that it can feel overwhelming to make plans for the property and assets you have accumulated over your lifetime and to think about how your loved ones will be cared for.

We offer a full range of estate planning services, including drafting of wills and all types of trusts. We handle estates of all sizes and levels of complexity, creating clear and enforceable instructions so that your assets are distributed as you decide.  

WILLS

Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, including financial assets, cherished momentos and collections, and your real estate.  

If you have minor children, your will also allows you to determine who will care for your children in the event that the unthinkable happens. 

Property that passes via a will is subject to court oversight in a legal proceeding called probate. 

REVOCABLE TRUSTS

A revocable trust (also known as a living trust) is an alternative to a will that allows you to bypass the time and expsense of the probate process.  A revocable trust is flexible and can be altered and updated as your needs change throughout your life. 

We can help you protect assets in the event that you require nursing home care or in-home care.  A variety of devises can be used to protect your assets, including irrevocable trusts, life estate deeds, and provisions of the New York power of attorney. 

We understand the intricacies of the adoption process and the importance of formalizing adoptive relationships.  We can assist you with the"re-adoption" of an internationally adopted child.  We also recognize that often, step-parents and step-children form close bonds.   In some circumstances, a step-parent (or second parent) adoption can formalize these relationships and ensure that assets will pass smoothly to your step-children.

Your home is often your most important and valued asset.  We can help you preserve your home for your children by drafting life estate deeds.

As part of the estate administration process, we work with your executor or administration to sell your real property.

A Supplemental (or Special) Needs Trust will enable you to provide funds to enhance the life of a minor or adult child with disabilities without risking the loss of any benefits the child may be receiving.  We draft and can assist you in administering both first and second party supplemental needs trusts.

Unfortunately, at times is is necessary to involve the Courts to resolve of disputes that may arise in the settlement of an estate. We can represent you in the event of estate litigartion.

You should never transfer assets or make decisions without a full understanding of the tax consequences involved.  We provide estate and other tax advice to clients, executors, trustees and business entities.

We guide executors and administrators through the probate and estate administration process to minimze frustration and ensure that estates are settled and assets distributed in a timely and efficient manner.