Estate Planning Attorney in Freeport, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your family’s security shouldn’t depend on chance. Get the estate planning guidance you need to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services Freeport

Peace of Mind for Your Family

When your estate plan is properly structured, your family won’t face the stress of legal complications, asset disputes, or unexpected costs. You’ll have clear directives in place that protect your home from nursing home expenses and ensure your legacy passes to the people you choose.

Your loved ones will know exactly what you want and how to handle your affairs. No guesswork. No family conflicts. No unnecessary legal fees eating into what you’ve worked your entire life to build.

The right planning now means your family can focus on what matters most during difficult times—being together and supporting each other, not scrambling to figure out legal paperwork or fighting over assets.

Trusted Estate Planning Lawyer Freeport

We Understand Freeport Families

We have been serving Long Island families through some of their most important legal decisions. We know the unique challenges facing Freeport residents—from protecting family homes valued at nearly $480,000 to navigating New York’s complex Medicaid system.

Our approach is different. We come to you—whether that’s your home, the hospital, or a nursing facility. We offer services in Spanish and Italian because we understand this community’s diverse needs.

We’re not just drafting documents. We’re helping families preserve what they’ve built in a community where homeownership matters and where 70% of residents own their homes. That’s a legacy worth protecting.

Estate Planning Process Freeport NY

Your Roadmap to Protection

We start with understanding your specific situation. What assets do you want to protect? What are your concerns about long-term care costs? Who do you want to make decisions if you can’t?

Next, we design a plan that fits your needs. This might include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. If you’re concerned about nursing home costs—which can exceed $200,000 annually on Long Island—we’ll discuss Medicaid planning strategies.

Then we execute everything properly. Documents get signed, assets get titled correctly, and beneficiaries get named. We handle the technical details so you don’t have to worry about whether something was done right.

Finally, we stay connected. Life changes, and your plan should change with it. We provide ongoing support and regular reviews to keep everything current.

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Asset Protection Planning Freeport

What's Included in Your Plan

Your estate plan includes the essential documents every Freeport family needs. Wills that clearly state your wishes. Trusts that can help avoid probate and protect assets. Powers of attorney that let someone you trust handle your finances if needed.

Healthcare directives ensure your medical wishes are followed. HIPAA authorizations let your family access medical information when they need it. If you’re concerned about nursing home costs, we’ll explore Medicaid planning strategies that can protect your home.

For Freeport families, this often means protecting a home that’s been in the family for generations. With median property values approaching $480,000, losing your home to long-term care costs isn’t just a financial loss—it’s losing a piece of your family’s history. We help you keep what matters most while ensuring you can still qualify for benefits if needed.

How much does nursing home care cost in the Freeport area?

Nursing home costs on Long Island typically range from $135,000 to over $200,000 annually. That’s significantly higher than the national average and can quickly deplete a lifetime of savings. Most people assume Medicare will cover these costs, but Medicare only pays for skilled nursing care for up to 100 days under specific circumstances. For the ongoing daily care most people need, you’re looking at either private pay or Medicaid. Without proper planning, you could spend your entire life savings before qualifying for Medicaid benefits.

What is the five-year lookback period for Medicaid in New York?

New York’s Medicaid program reviews all asset transfers made within five years of your application. If you gave away assets or sold them below fair market value during this period, you could face a penalty period where you’re ineligible for benefits. For example, if you transferred your $250,000 home to your children and the average nursing home cost in your area is $10,000 per month, you’d face a 25-month penalty period. During this time, you’d be personally responsible for all care costs. This is why early planning is crucial—the sooner you plan, the more options you have.

Can I protect my home and still qualify for Medicaid?

Yes, but it requires proper planning. While you can keep your home while receiving Medicaid benefits, the state can recover costs from your estate after you pass away. This often means your family loses the home to pay back Medicaid. However, strategies like Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts can help protect your home if implemented at least five years before you need care. These trusts remove the home from your estate while still allowing you to live there. There are also exemptions for surviving spouses and certain family members who have been caregivers.

What happens if I die without a will in New York?

If you die without a will in New York, state law determines how your assets are distributed. Your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of the remaining estate, with your children splitting the rest. If you have no spouse, your children inherit everything equally. This might not align with your wishes, especially if you have a blended family or want to provide for grandchildren. Without a will, your family also faces a more complicated probate process, which can take longer and cost more. The court will also appoint an administrator, which might not be the person you would have chosen.

Do I need a trust if I already have a will?

A will is essential, but trusts offer additional benefits that many Freeport families find valuable. Trusts can help you avoid probate, which keeps your affairs private and can speed up asset distribution to your beneficiaries. For families concerned about nursing home costs, certain trusts can provide asset protection. Revocable living trusts give you control during your lifetime while simplifying things for your family after you’re gone. Given that 70% of Freeport residents own their homes, trusts can be particularly useful for protecting real estate and ensuring smooth transfers to the next generation.

When should I start estate planning?

The best time to start estate planning is now, regardless of your age. Young families need plans to protect minor children and ensure guardianship wishes are honored. Middle-aged adults should focus on asset protection and long-term care planning. For Medicaid planning specifically, you want to start at least five years before you anticipate needing care. But even if you’re already receiving care, there are still strategies available. The key is not waiting until a crisis forces your hand—that’s when you have the fewest options and the most stress.

Local Resources

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

Estate Planning Attorney in Freeport, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today