Estate Planning in Laurel Hollow, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your legacy and gives your family peace of mind.

Estate Planning Attorney Laurel Hollow

Your Family Gets Real Protection

When you have a proper estate plan, your family doesn’t scramble when life changes. They know exactly what you want and how to get it done.

Your assets go where you intended. Your children are cared for by people you trust. Your spouse doesn’t face months of court battles just to access your accounts.

Most importantly, you sleep better knowing everything is handled. No more wondering if you’ve covered all the bases or if your family will be okay.

Laurel Hollow Estate Planning Lawyers

We Know Long Island Families

We’ve been serving Long Island families since 2012. We understand the unique challenges facing Laurel Hollow residents—from New York’s complex estate tax laws to the realities of multi-generational wealth planning.

Our team speaks Spanish and Italian, and we come to you when needed. Whether that’s your home, the hospital, or a nursing facility, we make legal planning accessible.

We’ve helped hundreds of families protect millions in assets. More importantly, we’ve given them confidence that their loved ones will be taken care of.

Estate Planning Process Laurel Hollow

Simple Steps, Lasting Protection

First, we listen. Every family situation is different, and we need to understand your specific concerns and goals before recommending anything.

Then we analyze your current situation. What assets do you have? What are your tax implications? Who are the key people in your life? What happens if you become incapacitated?

Finally, we create your plan. This includes the right combination of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We handle all the legal requirements and make sure everything is properly executed and funded.

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Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Complete Protection for Your Situation

Your estate plan includes everything you need to protect your family. Wills that clearly state your wishes. Trusts that avoid probate and minimize taxes. Powers of attorney that let trusted people help you if you can’t manage your own affairs.

For Laurel Hollow families, this often means sophisticated planning. With median home values over $1.5 million, most residents need strategies that go beyond basic wills. We help you navigate New York’s estate tax laws and create structures that preserve wealth for future generations.

We also handle the real estate aspects that many attorneys miss. Your home is likely your largest asset, and we make sure it’s properly protected and transferred according to your wishes.

How much does estate planning cost in Laurel Hollow?

Estate planning costs vary based on your situation’s complexity. A basic will and power of attorney package might cost $1,500-$3,000. More sophisticated plans involving trusts, tax planning, and asset protection typically range from $5,000-$15,000. For Laurel Hollow residents with substantial assets, the cost of proper planning is minimal compared to the taxes and legal fees your family could face without it. New York’s estate tax can take over 16% of estates above $6.58 million, and probate costs can easily exceed $50,000. We provide transparent pricing upfront after understanding your needs. No surprises, no hourly billing that spirals out of control.

Do I need a trust if I live in Laurel Hollow?

Most Laurel Hollow residents benefit from trusts, given the area’s high property values and wealth levels. Trusts help you avoid probate, which can tie up your assets for over a year and cost tens of thousands in legal fees. They also provide tax benefits. With New York’s estate tax threshold at $6.58 million, many Long Island families need planning to minimize state taxes. Trusts can also protect assets from potential creditors and provide for incapacitated family members. The decision depends on your specific situation. We review your assets, family structure, and goals to determine if a trust makes sense for you.

What happens to my estate if I die without a will?

Without a will, New York’s intestacy laws determine who gets your assets. Your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of the remainder. Your children split the rest. If you have no spouse or children, it goes to parents, then siblings, then other relatives. This rarely matches what people actually want. It also means your assets go through probate, which is expensive and time-consuming. The court appoints an administrator, who may not be who you would have chosen. For Laurel Hollow families with substantial assets, dying intestate can result in significant tax consequences and family disputes. It’s much better to have a plan in place.

How do I protect my assets from nursing home costs?

Asset protection for long-term care requires advance planning. Medicaid has a five-year “look back” period, so transfers made within five years of applying for benefits can result in penalties. The most effective strategy is often a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). You transfer assets to the trust, which removes them from your countable resources after the five-year period. You can often retain some income from the trust and even revoke it under certain circumstances. Other strategies include gifting, certain types of annuities, and spending down assets on exempt items like home improvements. The key is starting early, before you need care.

Can I update my estate plan after it's created?

Yes, and you should. Estate plans need updates when your life changes—marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moves to different states. Tax laws also change, sometimes requiring plan modifications. We recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years, or whenever you experience a major life event. Simple updates like changing beneficiaries or executors are usually straightforward. More complex changes might require new documents. The key is staying current. An outdated estate plan can be worse than no plan at all if it doesn’t reflect your current wishes or circumstances.

How long does the estate planning process take?

For most families, the entire process takes 4-8 weeks from our initial meeting to signed documents. This includes time for us to draft your documents, for you to review them, and for any revisions you request. More complex situations involving business interests, large estates, or complicated family dynamics might take longer. We don’t rush the process because getting it right is more important than getting it done quickly. The actual signing appointment usually takes about an hour. We explain each document, witness the signatures, and make sure everything is properly executed. We also provide guidance on next steps, like funding trusts or updating beneficiary designations.

Local Resources

Laurel Hollow, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State

Estate Planning in Laurel Hollow, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today