Estate Planning Attorney in Long Island, New York

Why Do You Need Estate Planning?

In today’s current financial environment, it is important to protect the property and assets you own. Although previously estate planning was viewed as a tool of the rich, today anyone with assets should take the necessary steps to ensure their belongings are protected.

Having a sound financial plan that will provide you with tax advantages and direction for the distribution of your estate, should something happen to you, is important to the future well-being of your loved ones. At Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we are skilled and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys serving the New York, Long Island, Manhattan, and Queens communities.

When you meet with our dedicated lawyer, we will discuss the procedures involved in the proper planning of your estate. Common occurrences that can be avoided through sound estate planning are having the Probate  Court have any say in how your estate will be distributed, or disputes and litigation among family members. Issues to look at in estate planning include assisting you with a comprehensive will, setting up revocable or living trusts, advising you on charitable contributions, life insurance holdings, business entities, and other asset protection strategies.

During this process, we also take the time to understand your family dynamics, your concerns about particular beneficiaries, and any closely held business or real estate you may own on Long Island or elsewhere in New York. By looking closely at how your assets are titled and who you wish to benefit, we can help you decide whether simple documents will meet your goals or whether you may benefit from a more sophisticated plan. This allows us to create a structure that not only addresses what happens at death but also protects you during your lifetime if you face illness, disability, or changes in your financial situation.

For many clients, it is helpful to understand how the Surrogate’s Courts in Nassau, Suffolk, and the New York City boroughs will handle an estate if no planning is done. We can explain, in plain language, how New York intestacy laws work, how long a typical probate or administration might take, and what it can cost your heirs in time and stress. By comparing that to the options available through thoughtful documents prepared with an estate attorney, you are in a better position to decide which approach fits your family and your comfort level with court involvement.

For trusted legal guidance, reach out to a knowledgeable estate lawyer. Call (516) 324-3138 or contact us immediately to schedule your consultation.

New York Estate Planning Lawyer

Because life is uncertain, planning for any eventuality is important for the future of your loved ones. With the help of Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we can address all issues important to you that will ensure you, your family, and your assets are well taken care of.

Many individuals are now also making advance directives as part of their estate planning to have their personal wishes on what medical treatment they might want, should they become incapacitated and unable to state their desires. Another major factor in estate planning is to avoid unnecessary taxation on your assets, which allows the majority of your hard-earned work to pass on to your family.

When we meet with an estate attorney from our firm, we will take the time to explain the different documents recognized under New York law, such as durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills, and how they work together with your will or trust. We discuss who in your life is best suited to serve in important roles like executor, trustee, or agent, and what responsibilities those roles carry. By walking through concrete examples that are common for families on Long Island, we help you see how your choices today can make things easier for your loved ones if an emergency arises.

Our goal is to make the planning process as straightforward and organized as possible, from the initial information-gathering through the signing of your documents and periodic reviews in the future. We can coordinate your estate plan with your financial advisors and accountants so that your beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and life insurance are aligned with your overall plan. This coordinated approach helps reduce the chance of conflicts among family members later and supports a smoother administration of your estate through the appropriate New York Surrogate’s Court.

Our Estate Planning Services on Long Island

When you begin working with us, it can be helpful to understand the different tools we may recommend as part of a comprehensive plan. We look at your entire picture, including your home, retirement savings, business interests, and any property you may own in Nassau or Suffolk County, and then determine which documents and strategies are appropriate. This allows us to build an estate plan that reflects your values and provides clear direction for the people who will handle your affairs in the future.

Depending on your goals, your plan might include a last will and testament, one or more trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and beneficiary designations that work together. We discuss how each option functions under New York law, what level of control you retain, and how each choice may affect the time and cost required for your loved ones to settle your estate. By comparing different approaches, you can decide whether a will-based plan is sufficient or whether a trust may make more sense for your circumstances on Long Island.

Many people also want to know how planning can address practical concerns, such as providing for a child with special needs, protecting an inheritance from creditors, or planning for a second marriage. We take the time to walk through these situations and explain what structures are available to you. This way, your estate planning documents are tailored not only to the assets you own but also to the real-life situations your family may face in the years ahead.

What To Expect When You Work With Us

Starting an estate plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never spoken with a lawyer about these issues before. We aim to make the process transparent and manageable by outlining each step before we begin. This helps you understand what information you will need to gather, how many meetings to expect, and when you will review and sign your documents.

Typically, the process begins with an initial consultation where we learn about your family, your assets, and your concerns about the future. After that meeting, we analyze your situation and prepare a proposed plan that may include specific documents and strategies tailored to your circumstances in New York and on Long Island. At a follow-up meeting, we review that proposal with you in detail, answer your questions, and make any adjustments before drafting your documents.

Once your documents are prepared, we schedule a signing meeting and provide clear instructions on how to store your originals and who should receive copies. We also discuss when it makes sense to revisit your plan, such as after major life changes, and how to keep beneficiary designations and ownership records consistent with your goals. By outlining this process up front, you can move forward with confidence, knowing what will happen at each stage and how we will communicate with you along the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

It is generally wise to review your estate plan every few years or after major life events, such as a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a significant change in assets. Regular reviews help ensure that your documents reflect your current wishes and any changes in New York law that might affect your plan. Small updates can often be handled efficiently if your core structure is already in place.

Do I Need a Will If I Already Have a Trust?

Even if you have a trust, most people still benefit from having a will to address any assets that are not titled in the name of the trust. A will can also name guardians for minor children and provide backup instructions if something in your plan changes. Coordinating your will and trust carefully helps reduce confusion for your loved ones and supports a smoother administration in the appropriate Surrogate’s Court.

Can Estate Planning Help Reduce the Chance of Family Disputes?

Clear and thoughtful planning can significantly reduce the risk of disagreements among family members after a death. When your documents explain your decisions, name responsible fiduciaries, and provide straightforward instructions, there is less room for misunderstanding. While no plan can eliminate every potential conflict, a well-prepared set of documents can make it easier for those you leave behind to follow your wishes.

We encourage you to contact us for a careful review of your needs. An initial consultation to go over your goals is free. Planning for the future is important; do not put off this important step.