Most estate plans include: Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust (if appropriate), Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will). Your plan will be customized to your needs.

Yes. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It ensures: Your assets go to the people you choose. Someone you trust can make decisions if you’re incapacitated. Minor children have a designated guardian. Your family avoids unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses. Even modest estates benefit from proper planning.

If you die without a will (called “dying intestate”), state law determines how your assets are distributed. This may not align with your wishes and can result in: Assets going to unintended beneficiaries. Court involvement and delays for approximately 2 years. Additional legal expenses for your family.

Probate is a court-supervised process to settle an estate after death. It can be time-consuming and costly. Certain tools—such as trusts, beneficiary designations, and jointly owned property—can help minimize or avoid probate.

Helpful items include: A list of assets and approximate values. Names of intended beneficiaries. Information about existing estate planning documents. Questions or concerns you’d like addressed.

Costs vary based on the complexity of your plan and billable hours, but on average in New York range from $8,000 - $15,000. In my opinion, this is simply too expensive and out of reach for the average family. That’s why I offer simplified, flat-rate plans, with my most comprehensive package averaging $4000. No billable hours and just a reasonable rate for the service provided.