Estate Planning Attorney in Woodbury, NY

Your Legacy Protected, Your Family Secure

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your assets and ensures your wishes are honored when it matters most.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services Woodbury

What Life Looks Like When Done Right

Your family won’t scramble through probate courts for months. Your assets won’t disappear to unnecessary taxes or legal fees. Your loved ones will know exactly what you wanted, when you wanted it, and how to make it happen.

When you have a proper estate plan, your children inherit your home without the stress of court battles. Your spouse can access accounts immediately when needed. Your healthcare wishes are respected if you can’t speak for yourself.

Most importantly, you sleep better knowing everything is handled. No more wondering “what if something happens to me tomorrow?” No more putting off conversations that need to happen. Just peace of mind that comes from doing things right the first time.

Woodbury Estate Planning Law Firm

Local Knowledge You Can Trust

We have been serving Long Island families for years, and we understand what matters to Woodbury residents. We know the reality of owning a $1 million home in one of New York’s most expensive markets. We understand the pressure of wanting to age in place while protecting everything you’ve built.

Our bilingual attorneys speak Spanish and Italian, reflecting the diverse community we serve. We offer consultations in your home, at the hospital, or in our office – wherever you’re most comfortable discussing these important decisions.

We’re not a massive firm where you’re just another case number. We’re the attorneys who remember your grandchildren’s names and check in on how your family is doing. That’s how we’ve built relationships that span generations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Estate Planning Process Woodbury NY

Simple Steps, Lasting Protection

First, we sit down for a free consultation to understand your situation. What assets do you have? Who do you want to protect? What are your biggest concerns? We listen more than we talk because every family is different.

Next, we create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs. This might include a will, trusts, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives. If you own property in Woodbury’s high-value market, we’ll make sure it’s protected from unnecessary taxes and probate delays.

Finally, we execute your documents properly and keep them updated as your life changes. New grandchildren, property purchases, or changes in tax law – we’re here to adjust your plan so it always works for your family. You’re not just getting documents; you’re getting a relationship with attorneys who care about your family’s future.

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Estate Planning Services Woodbury

Everything Your Family Needs Protected

Your estate plan includes comprehensive documentation: wills, trusts, power of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills. For Woodbury residents with substantial assets, we often recommend asset protection trusts to shield your wealth from potential creditors and reduce estate taxes.

We handle Medicaid planning for long-term care, which is crucial on Long Island where nursing home costs can exceed $150,000 annually. Our goal is to help you qualify for benefits while preserving as much of your estate as possible for your family.

Given Woodbury’s aging population and high property values, we also focus on succession planning for family businesses and real estate holdings. Whether you own rental properties or run a local business, we ensure smooth transitions that minimize taxes and family conflicts. Our clients often tell us they wish they’d started this process sooner – but we’re here whenever you’re ready to protect what matters most.

How much does estate planning cost in Woodbury, NY?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs, but most comprehensive plans range from $1,500 to $5,000. For Woodbury residents with substantial assets, this investment typically saves families tens of thousands in probate costs and estate taxes. We offer free initial consultations so you understand exactly what you need before committing to anything. Many clients are surprised to learn that the cost of proper planning is often less than one year of property taxes on their Woodbury home. When you consider that probate can cost 3-7% of your estate’s value, planning ahead makes financial sense.

Do I need a trust if I live in Woodbury?

Most Woodbury residents benefit from trusts, especially given the area’s high property values and New York’s estate tax laws. If your estate exceeds $6.94 million, you’ll face New York estate taxes without proper planning. Even below that threshold, trusts can help avoid probate and protect assets from creditors. Revocable trusts are popular because they avoid probate while giving you control during your lifetime. Irrevocable trusts offer stronger asset protection and tax benefits but require giving up some control. We’ll review your specific situation and recommend the best approach for your family’s needs and goals.

What happens if I become incapacitated without proper planning?

Without proper planning, your family would need to petition the court for guardianship, which is expensive, time-consuming, and public. The court, not your family, would choose who makes decisions about your care and finances. This process can take months while your bills go unpaid and medical decisions are delayed. With proper power of attorney documents, your chosen agent can immediately step in to handle your affairs. Healthcare proxies ensure your medical wishes are followed, and financial powers of attorney allow someone to manage your accounts and pay your bills. These documents are essential for anyone who wants to maintain control over their future care.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets. New York’s estate tax laws change periodically, and what worked five years ago might not be optimal today. We recommend annual check-ins for clients with complex estates or those approaching retirement. If you’ve moved to Woodbury recently, purchased new property, or started a business, it’s time to review your plan. We provide free three-year reviews to ensure your documents stay current with your life and the law.

Can you help with Medicaid planning for long-term care?

Yes, Medicaid planning is crucial for Long Island residents facing potential nursing home costs of $12,000-15,000 monthly. We help you restructure assets to qualify for Medicaid while preserving as much as possible for your spouse and family. This often involves irrevocable trusts, spend-down strategies, and careful timing. The key is planning ahead – Medicaid has a five-year look-back period for asset transfers. If you’re healthy and in your 60s or 70s, now is the time to plan. We can help you protect your Woodbury home and other assets while ensuring you’ll qualify for benefits when needed.

What makes Fratello Law different from other estate planning attorneys?

We’re a local firm that understands Woodbury’s unique challenges – high property values, aging in place concerns, and the need for comprehensive asset protection. We offer bilingual services and will meet you at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re comfortable discussing these important decisions. Our clients stay with us for generations because we build relationships, not just documents. We remember your family’s story and adjust your plan as life changes. Most importantly, we never charge for initial consultations – we want you to feel confident about your choice before moving forward with any legal work.

Local Resources

Woodbury, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State

Estate Planning Attorney in Woodbury, NY

Your Legacy Protected, Your Family Secure