As a New Yorker, you plan for everything. You plan for traffic on the FDR, winter storms upstate, and every detail of daily life. But too many wait too long to prepare for what happens to their family, their home, and their legacy when they’re gone. Without an estate plan, New York’s inheritance laws decide who gets your property, who cares for your children, and who makes choices if you can’t. Rarely does the state make the same choices you would.
A Weiner Law Group New York estate planning lawyer can help keep those decisions in your hands. Our team can help you stay one step ahead with a personalized plan that protects everything you’ve worked for and gives your loved ones clarity when they need it most.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
A Weiner Law Group estate planning attorney helps you create legal documents that make your wishes clear. This includes writing a will, setting up trusts, naming someone to handle your affairs if you become ill, and helping you avoid unnecessary taxes or court delays.
An estate planning attorney can help you:
- Decide who will receive your property;
- Name guardians for your children;
- Set up healthcare and financial powers of attorney; and
- Create a plan that avoids probate, saves money, and protects your legacy.
Working with the right attorney can also help you understand the legal steps you need to take to keep your plan valid under New York law.
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Many think they don’t have “enough” assets to justify making an estate plan. The truth is. you don’t need to be wealthy or retired to need an estate plan. When asking yourself, Do I need an estate plan?, think about the following questions:
- Do I own property?
- Do I have children?Â
- Do I care about who makes decisions for me if I can’t?
- Do I want to avoid leaving a mess behind for my family to deal with?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, an estate plan is right for you. An estate plan gives you tools to:
- Choose who inherits your home, car, savings, and belongings;
- Appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs;
- Leave instructions for your healthcare; and
- Avoid long, expensive court battles for your family.
Your estate plan can be as simple or as detailed as you need. It all depends on your personal goals.
Without an estate plan, your assets will be divided according to the rules of intestate succession, not your wishes. This could leave out important people or create family conflicts.
When you have a plan, you gain peace of mind knowing your future is in your hands. It helps make life easier for your loved ones by reducing confusion, delays, and unnecessary costs.
Key Documents in an Estate Plan
An estate plan often includes several essential documents. Together, they give you complete control over what happens to your body, your finances, and your property if something happens to you.
Key estate plan documents may include:
- Last will and testament. This document lets you set forth exactly who should receive your property and who will care for any minor children. It also names an executor to carry out your wishes and oversee the distribution of your estate.
- Revocable living trust. Trusts allow you to manage your assets during your life and pass them on after death without going through probate. They can also provide long-term financial guidance for minor children or beneficiaries with special circumstances.
- Financial power of attorney. This names someone to manage your money, pay bills, or handle property if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need court approval just to access your bank accounts.
- Healthcare proxy. Completing a healthcare proxy form gives a trusted person (or agent) the legal right to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. It ensures your wishes are respected and reduces confusion among family members.
- Living will. Similarly, this document outlines your preferences for end-of-life care or life-saving treatment if you can’t communicate them yourself.Â
Putting these in place now can prevent confusion or disagreements later. A Weiner Law estate planning attorney will walk you through the various document types to determine which will best serve your needs.
How Much Does an Estate Plan Cost?
Many people worry about the cost and wonder, How much does an estate plan cost? It depends on your needs. A basic will-based plan may be more affordable, while a complex trust-based plan might cost more due to the time and documents involved. Paying for a well-crafted plan now can save your family thousands later in probate fees, taxes, and legal disputes.
Our team offers transparent pricing and custom solutions. We’ll explain your options up front so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Why Choose Weiner Law to Help with Your Estate Plan
At Weiner Law Group, we understand that planning for the future takes courage. Since 1988, our AV-rated firm has helped clients across New York and New Jersey make informed choices about their property, family, and care. We offer thoughtful, personalized guidance rooted in decades of experience in estate law, business law, tax planning, and more.
Our attorneys combine legal skill with genuine compassion. We take the time to explain each option without legal jargon and craft a strategy tailored to your goals. Whether you need to write your first will or revise a complex trust, we can help.
Work with a New York Estate Planning Lawyer Who Listens
The right plan gives you peace of mind, spares your family from stress, and secures your legacy. A Weiner Law New York estate planning lawyer can provide you with the advice and tools you need to help you make those important decisions with clarity and care.
Contact Weiner Law today by calling us at  973-403-1100 for a consultation to get started. We’ll help you create a custom plan that reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and honors your future.