Wills & Trusts in New York

Estate planning is vital to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored. At Bartal Law, we guide you through creating wills and trusts tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you secure a future free from uncertainty.

Understanding Wills and Trusts in New York

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that specifies how your property is to be distributed after death. It must be signed by an individual at least 18 years old and executed in the presence of two witnesses. A will designates guardians for minor children, appoints an executor to manage your estate, and provides instructions for funeral arrangements. However, wills are subject to probate, making them part of the public record.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity that holds assets for your beneficiaries, managed by a trustee. Trusts bypass probate, reducing costs and maintaining privacy. They manage assets during your lifetime, provide clear instructions if you become incapacitated, and offer tax advantages through tools for gift and estate tax planning.

What is a Living Trust?

A living trust provides instructions for managing your estate after death and during incapacity. It simplifies estate management by easing the burden on loved ones and ensuring your wishes are respected. Living trusts can hold personal property such as real estate, jewelry, and investments, as well as financial assets like savings accounts and life insurance policies. They can also designate guardians for minor children and provide instructions for charitable donations and funeral arrangements.

Advantages of Living Trusts

Living trusts offer privacy as trust documents are not part of the public record. They help avoid costly taxes and provide flexibility with various types of trusts available to meet individual needs.

Comprehensive Wills & Trusts Services in New York

Bartal Law Life & Legacy Planning offers a variety of wills and trusts services in the neighborhoods of New York. Our services include:

Custom Wills and Trusts
Living Trusts and Revocable Trusts
Estate and Asset Protection Planning
Guardianship and Minor Child Provisions
Healthcare and Financial Power of Attorney
Advance Healthcare Directives

Special Needs Trusts
Probate Avoidance Strategies
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
Tax-Efficient Estate Structuring
Business Succession Planning
Charitable Giving and Trusts
Planning for Non-Citizens
And more....

What is a Last Will?

A last will and testament outlines how assets will be distributed upon death. It allows you to name guardians for children and caretakers for pets, assign someone to manage the estate, and specify provisions such as support trusts for minor or vulnerable beneficiaries. A will may also contain medical power of attorney instructions.

Legal Considerations

Without a will, state intestacy laws dictate asset distribution, often prioritizing children and close relatives. Courts may appoint guardians for minors based on their judgment, highlighting the importance of having a valid will.

Flat Fee & Upfront Pricing

Estate planning is crucial to all individuals and families to have, and with that in mind we created a unique flat-fee pricing for our services!

Considering our costs, we still try to make pricing as possible and accessible to all. After we get to know you and needs we will be able to explain our flat-fee pricing.

So you will be able to choose what fits you best! Before you sign our engagement you will know the investment. And for any future needed additional services down the road, we will discuss a plan and a flat-fee that works for you, without resorting to hourly and overtime billings.

Secure your Wills & Trusts

Simplifying Wills and Trusts Planning

We make the process of creating wills and trusts simple and convenient with a streamlined, four-step approach. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, explaining legal complexities in plain language and customizing a plan to meet your unique needs. Pricing is discussed upfront, so there are no surprises. Have questions? You can reach out anytime without worrying about additional charges, as flat fees encourage open communication and efficiency.

Personalized and Accessible Services

We limit the number of clients we take on at a time to ensure personalized attention to your needs. Our firm is always accessible for your questions and concerns, offering multiple ways to communicate. Whether it’s drafting a will, setting up a trust, or planning for your legacy, we focus on fulfilling your wishes for both life and beyond.

Empowering Your Legacy with Care

At our firm, estate planning is more than just a legal obligation; it’s an opportunity to craft a meaningful legacy. We help transform the process into a proactive and empowering experience, ensuring your loved ones are protected and your values reflected. Let us guide you with expertise and care, turning a complex task into a positive investment in your family’s future. Start planning today to secure your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of attorney handles wills and trusts?

An estate planning attorney specializes in drafting wills and setting up trusts to protect assets and plan for the future.

Are trusts better than wills?

It depends on your goals. Trusts can bypass probate, provide privacy, and offer more control, while wills are simpler and can cover guardianship decisions.

Wills or trusts – which is better?

Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on your specific needs, assets, and family situation.

What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Planning Session?

An attorney who listens without interrupting and makes sure you fully understand your options before making any decisions! I wouldn’t be doing my job as an attorney otherwise. It’s very important to me that you feel heard and have your questions answered. We’ll also review our process, flat fees, and overall client experience so you know exactly what you are getting and what the investment will be.

Are wills and trusts public records?

Wills become public during probate, but trusts remain private, offering more confidentiality.

Who does wills and trusts?

Estate planning attorneys handle wills and trusts, helping you draft legal documents and create a comprehensive plan.

What are wills and trusts?

Wills dictate how assets are distributed after death, while trusts manage and distribute assets during your life and after death.

How do I integrate wills and trusts in estate planning?

Work with an estate planning attorney to combine wills and trusts to cover all aspects of your estate, including asset distribution, guardianship, and tax planning.

How much are wills and trusts?

Costs vary based on complexity, but wills are generally less expensive, while trusts may require a higher upfront investment.

Who does wills and trusts near me?

Search for experienced estate planning attorneys in your area who specialize in wills and trusts.

How do trusts and wills relate to elder law?

Elder law often includes creating wills and trusts to manage long-term care, Medicaid planning, and protecting assets for seniors.

Why are trusts better than wills?

Trusts offer benefits like avoiding probate, privacy, and greater control over how and when assets are distributed.

What is the difference between wills and trusts?

Wills go into effect after death and require probate, while trusts can take effect immediately, managing assets during your life and after.

Lawyers who do wills and trusts near me?

Look for estate planning attorneys with positive reviews and expertise in your local area. Daphne Bartal provides comprehensive estate planning services in New York and its neighboring areas such as Long Island, Fresh Meadows, Suffolk county and many others.

Where are wills and trusts recorded?

Wills are filed with the probate court upon death, making them public. Trusts are generally not recorded, keeping them private

How do wills and trusts work together?

A will can address assets not included in a trust, while a trust can manage larger, more complex assets efficiently.

What does Dave Ramsey say about wills and trusts?

Dave Ramsey emphasizes the importance of having both a will and a trust to protect your family and assets.

Attorneys who do wills and trusts?

Find an experienced estate planning attorney who specializes in creating wills and setting up trusts. Daphne Bartal provides comprehensive estate planning services in New York and its neighboring areas such as Long Island, Fresh Meadows, Suffolk county and many others.

Wills, trusts, and drama: what to expect when settling an estate?

Family disputes can arise, especially without clear instructions. Wills and trusts help minimize uncertainty and conflict.

Wills and trusts exam questions and answers

These typically test legal concepts about drafting, executing, and the differences between wills and trusts.

Why do people do wills instead of trusts?

Wills are simpler, less expensive upfront, and sufficient for straightforward estates.

What to know about wills and trusts?

Wills handle basic asset distribution and guardianship, while trusts provide flexibility, privacy, and probate avoidance.

How to create wills and trusts?

Consult an estate planning attorney to draft legal documents tailored to your family’s needs and goals. Daphne Bartal provides comprehensive estate planning services in New York and its neighboring areas such as Long Island, Fresh Meadows, Suffolk county and many others.

Who writes wills and trusts?

Estate planning attorneys draft wills and trusts based on your unique circumstances. Daphne Bartal provides comprehensive estate planning services in New York and its neighboring areas such as Long Island, Fresh Meadows, Suffolk county and many others.

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Locations We Serve

Estate Planning In Queens, NY

Estate Planning In Long Island, NY

Estate Planning In Brooklyn, NY

Estate Planning In Bronx, NY

Estate Planning In Manhattan, NY

Estate Planning In Upstate NY / Westchester

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