What you've built deserves a plan. We help Westchester and Hudson Valley families draft wills, set up trusts, and navigate probate — without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Wills, Trusts, & Estates
Practice Area 02
Estate planning is about making sure the people you love don't have to figure things out without you. The basics are simple. The peace of mind is enormous.
The Fair Firm Approach
Plans, made human
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No Legal Jargon
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney — all explained in plain language. We tell you what each document does, why you need it, and what happens if you don't have one.2
Right-sized
Most people don't need a complicated plan. We start with what's essential, and only add structure where it actually solves a problem for your family.
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Built To Last
Life changes. We design plans that flex with you — and check in periodically to make sure your documents still match your wishes.
Our Services
— 01
The foundational estate planning document. We talk through who inherits what, who acts as executor, and who cares for minor children, then draft accordingly.
Last Will & Testament
— 02
A trust can keep your estate out of probate, maintain privacy, and provide for beneficiaries over time. We'll explain whether one makes sense for you.
Revocable Living Trusts
— 03
Lets someone you trust handle financial and legal matters if you can't. New York has specific requirements — get it done right the first time.
Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions if you're unable to. Pairs with a living will to spell out your wishes for end-of-life care.
Healthcare Proxy
— 04
— 05
When a loved one passes, the estate has to be settled. We guide executors and administrators through Surrogate's Court — start to finish.
Probate & Administration
— 06
If you have documents from another attorney or another state, we'll review them and let you know whether they still do what you need them to do.
Estate Plan Reviews
Common Questions
Things Buyers & Sellers often ask
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Yes. A will isn't really about how much you have — it's about who decides what happens, who raises your kids, and who handles your affairs. Without one, New York intestacy law decides for you, which is rarely what you'd actually choose.
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A will takes effect at death and goes through probate (a court process). A revocable trust takes effect immediately, holds your assets during your lifetime, and passes them outside of probate at death. Trusts are private; wills become public record. Whether you need one depends on your situation — we'll help you decide.
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It depends on what you need, but estate planning is flat-fee, not hourly. After your initial consultation, we'll give you a written engagement letter with the exact fee for your plan.
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First, take care of yourself and your family. When you're ready, give us a call. We'll talk through whether a probate proceeding is needed, what steps come next, and what timeline you're looking at.
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Property outside of New York may require a probate proceeding in that state too (an 'ancillary' proceeding). We can advise on the New York side and coordinate with local counsel where needed.
Ready to get a plan in place?
GET STARTED
Most clients tell us the same thing after we're done: they wish they'd done it sooner. Book a consultation and we'll talk through what your plan should look like.