Our Trusts and Estates group is committed to assisting individuals and families not only in preserving their wealth, but also in developing comprehensive plans for the smooth and efficient transfer of assets to the next generation. Proper planning facilitates the transition of assets based on the individual’s objectives and also protects significant financial resources for beneficiaries.
In addition to drafting wills designed to minimize estate tax consequences, we also assist clients in evaluating whether other planning tools, including revocable or “living” trusts, inter vivos life insurance trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts and testamentary substitutes (along with many other planning approaches), may be appropriate for their specific circumstances. Further, we provide comprehensive estate planning services, including the preparation of essential advance directives such as powers of attorney, living wills, and healthcare proxies.
We also handle estate administration and trust administration, including the probate of wills, marshalling of assets, preparation and filing of federal and NY state estate tax returns, responding to tax audits, the preparation of trust accountings, and the final distribution of estates and trusts.
For those involved in closely-held or family businesses or professional practices, strategic planning is imperative. Our estate planning lawyers are skilled at coordinating business planning devices with sophisticated estate and succession planning for the professional or closely-held business owner.
We understand the sensitive nature of this work and focus our attention on our client relationships above all. In every facet of estate planning from a simple will to a complicated estate plan, and our Surrogate’s Court work concerning administration and probate services, we put an emphasis on our clients’ personal and family needs and objectives, while always striving to maintain the highest level of client service.
Team Members
