New York Estate Planning — Wills, Trusts, and Legacy Protection
Estate planning is the deliberate structuring of your assets to ensure they pass to the people you choose, with minimum tax exposure, and without probate delays. Our estate planning attorneys design plans for New Yorkers across the wealth spectrum — from straightforward last wills and durable powers of attorney to multi-generational dynasty trusts and family office structures.
Estate Planning Topics
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after your death. A well-crafted estate plan ensures that your property goes to the people you choose, minimizes taxes and court costs, and protects your family from unnecessary legal complications.
- Last Will and Testament — specifying who inherits your assets
- Revocable Living Trust — avoiding probate and maintaining privacy
- Durable Power of Attorney — authorizing someone to manage your finances
- Healthcare Proxy — designating a medical decision-maker
- Living Will / Advance Directive — documenting your medical wishes
- Beneficiary Designations — coordinating retirement accounts and life insurance
Why You Need an Estate Plan in New York
Without an estate plan, New York's intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets — and the results may not align with your wishes. Your estate may be subject to unnecessary probate delays, court costs, and potential family disputes. A proper estate plan gives you control over what happens to everything you've worked for.
- Avoid New York's intestacy laws that may distribute assets contrary to your wishes
- Minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors
- Protect minor children by naming a guardian
- Ensure smooth business succession if you own a business
- Maintain privacy — trusts avoid the public probate process
- Plan for incapacity with powers of attorney and healthcare directives
Our Estate Planning Process
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your family situation, assets, and goals. Alan Vaitzman then designs a customized plan that addresses your specific needs — whether you're a young family, a high-net-worth individual, a business owner, or a retiree planning for long-term care.
Serving New York Families
We serve clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Westchester County, and surrounding areas. Our office is conveniently located at 299 Broadway, 17th Floor in Lower Manhattan, with virtual consultations available for clients throughout New York State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does estate planning cost in New York?
Estate planning costs vary based on complexity. A simple will typically costs $500–$1,500. A comprehensive plan with trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives typically ranges from $2,500–$7,500. We offer transparent flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs.
When should I start estate planning?
The best time to start estate planning is now, regardless of your age or wealth. Major life events — marriage, divorce, having children, purchasing property, starting a business, or receiving an inheritance — are particularly important triggers to create or update your estate plan.
Do I need a trust or just a will?
Whether you need a trust depends on your goals. A will is sufficient for many people, but a revocable living trust offers significant advantages: it avoids probate, maintains privacy, and allows for seamless management of assets if you become incapacitated. We'll help you determine the right approach for your situation.
What happens if I die without a will in New York?
If you die without a will (intestate) in New York, state law determines who inherits your assets. Your estate will go through the probate process, and assets will be distributed according to a fixed formula — which may not reflect your wishes. Your family may also face unnecessary delays and legal costs.
Discuss Your Estate Planning Matter
Speak directly with Alan Vaitzman, Esq. about your situation. Free consultation, transparent flat-fee pricing where applicable.
Call (212) 413-4116 Send a message