New York Estate Planning Attorney
If you reside in New York or own assets there, the New York estate planning attorney is devoted to helping you create an effective estate plan that best suits your needs and wishes. He provides legal guidance and advice which will aid you make decisions regarding your estate and how it should be disposed when you die.
The New York estate planning attorney is a compassionate lawyer, treating your personal affairs with deep interest not just because it’s his job, but because of the rising need to care for the affairs of senior citizens. As an elderly person, you need to make certain plans regarding how your estate affairs will be managed when you become incapable of handling them yourself, and who will benefit from your property when you finally pass away. Such decisions — officially stated in certain legal documents — are what make up your estate plan. The New York estate planning attorney will guide you in making important decisions concerning:
- Disposition of your estate
- Estate protection, management and division
- The best retirement plan that suits your situation
- Health care decisions
- Guardianship
- Estate tax and how they can be reduced or avoided
These decisions need delicate considerations and must conform to the estate laws of New York, hence the need for hiring an experienced estate planning attorney, well versed and up to date with the laws of New York. A major advantage of having an estate plan is that you can change it at any time. New York estate laws often change. Likewise, you may have a change of heart as to who you want to benefit most from your asset. Such changes would definitely warrant a change to your estate plan. The New York estate planning attorney, due to his experience in similar cases, will let you know when it’s time to update your estate plan.
Estate Planning Documents You Need To Have
- Will – This is a legal document which expresses your desires concerning how your estate will be distributed when you pass away.
- Durable power of Attorney – This document names a person who will make make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney – with this document, you’re allowed to appoint a trustee who will make medical decisions on your behalf concerning your healthcare should you become incapacitated.
- Living Will – this is different from a Last Will, in that it is effective only while you’re yet alive.
- Trust – this is a special and very powerful legal document included in your estate plan. In it, you name whosoever you desire to inherit the totality of your estate when you die. It is powerful in the sense that, while a will can be contested, a trust is final. Having a trust eliminates or reduces estate taxes, as well as the need for a probate. There are different kinds of trust and the New York estate planning attorney will advise you on the best option that would help materialize your wishes.
Why do I need an estate planning attorney?
There are several mistakes you can make when you attempt filling out the above named documents on your own. Out of ignorance, you could end up writing your estate plan outside the statutes of New York Laws. This will completely nullify your estate plan Also, you may choose a wrong retirement plan, or give your family headaches by naming an untrustworthy executor or beneficiary. Or is it on healthcare matters? You may sign your documents and still not get your healthcare benefits. But with the New York estate planning attorney by your side, you make no mistakes. He will have all hands on deck to see that all benefits due to you must definitely get to you. He’ll ensure that all documents signed are in accordance with the state laws, and will advise you should there be need to update your estate plan.
Why give yourself or your surviving family unnecessary headaches? For your utmost peace of mind, don’t hesitate, contact the New York estate planning attorney today.
