More than you'd think. Studies indicate roughly 70% of Americans die without a will — and when that happens, New York intestacy law dictates who gets your money, who gets your home, and even potentially who raises your children. Not you.

A will changes that. It means you choose, not the state. And it's not just for the wealthy — as soon as you have children, own property, or have any assets you care about, you need one. The document itself doesn't take long to prepare. What takes expertise is making sure it's done correctly under New York law, reflects your actual wishes, and actually holds up in court.

A will goes through probate — a public court process that takes time, costs money, and makes your assets public. A trust avoids all of that. It keeps your affairs private, transfers assets directly to your family without court involvement, and gives you more control while you're still alive. For most families in New York, a trust makes more sense than a will alone. We'll figure out which is right for you in your free phone call.

Schedule a call to get a free, instant quote. Pricing depends on what you need. Typically, a will costs less than a full trust plan. What we can promise is a clear flat-rate price before we start anything. No hourly billing, no surprises. The free consultation is where we figure out exactly what makes sense for your situation.

Technically yes. But here's the problem, in New York, a will must be signed in front of the right witnesses, under specific legal requirements. If those steps aren't followed correctly, a court can throw the whole thing out. Your family would have nothing. Online forms don't know your family, your property, or New York law. They don't catch the things that matter. A single missed step can make an entire document invalid which means the state steps in anyway, exactly what you were trying to avoid.

That's exactly what we are here for. Multiple properties, assets in other countries, blended families, business ownership, family members with disabilities — these situations need real planning, not a template. The more complex your situation, the more an experienced attorney matters.

We take on a limited number of clients at a time, intentionally. That means when you come to us, you work with Jim. Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate. Not someone who's never met you.

Estate planning is one of the most personal things you'll ever do. The attorney you trust with it should actually know your name, understand your family, and be reachable when you have questions. That's not how most firms work. It's exactly how we work.