Estate Planning Lawyer in Coram, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your assets and gives you peace of mind for tomorrow.

Estate Planning Services Coram

Your Legacy Protected, Your Wishes Honored

You’ve worked hard to build what you have. Your family shouldn’t have to fight through probate court, pay excessive taxes, or wonder what you really wanted.

When you have the right estate plan, your loved ones get clear direction instead of confusion. They avoid months of court proceedings and keep more of what you intended them to receive. Your minor children get the guardians you choose, not strangers appointed by a judge.

The difference between having a plan and not having one is the difference between your family receiving immediate support during a difficult time versus facing legal battles that drain both money and emotional energy. Your estate plan becomes their roadmap when they need it most.

Coram Estate Planning Attorney

We Know This Community

At Fratello Law, we understand what Coram families face when planning for the future. We’ve seen how Long Island’s high property values and cost of living create unique challenges that require specialized planning approaches.

We’re not a general practice firm that handles estate planning on the side. This is what we do every day. Our bilingual services in Spanish and Italian reflect the diversity of our community, and we’ll come to your home, hospital, or nursing home when mobility is an issue.

Our clients appreciate that we take time to explain everything clearly. We know that estate planning involves difficult conversations about sensitive topics, so we approach each family with patience and respect for their unique situation.

Estate Planning Process Coram

Simple Process, Complete Protection

We start by understanding your family situation, assets, and concerns about the future. This isn’t a rushed consultation—we want to know what keeps you up at night regarding your family’s security.

Next, we analyze your current situation and identify potential problems before they become expensive mistakes. This includes reviewing any existing documents, understanding how your property is titled, and discussing your wishes for healthcare and guardianship decisions.

We then create a customized plan that addresses your specific needs. This might include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other documents designed to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed.

Finally, we guide you through signing everything properly and provide ongoing support as your life changes. Estate planning isn’t something you do once and forget about—we’re here to help you adjust your plan as needed over the years.

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Comprehensive Estate Planning Coram

How much does estate planning cost in Coram, NY?

Estate planning costs depend on your situation’s complexity and the documents you need. A basic will costs less than a comprehensive plan with multiple trusts and advanced tax strategies. We provide clear pricing after understanding your specific needs during our consultation. Most families find that proper estate planning costs far less than what their loved ones would face without a plan—probate costs, estate taxes, and family disputes can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. We work with you to create a plan that fits your budget while still providing the protection your family needs. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is protected is invaluable.

What happens if I don't have a will in New York?

Without a will, New York state law decides who gets your assets through intestate succession. The court, not you, determines how your property is distributed. Under New York’s rules, your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of what’s left, with your children receiving the rest. If you have no spouse or children, your parents or siblings may inherit everything. This distribution might not match what you actually wanted. The court also appoints someone to handle your estate and may need to choose guardians for minor children. This process typically costs more and takes longer than probate with a valid will, and it provides no privacy protection for your family’s affairs.

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

A will is important, but it doesn’t avoid probate or provide the asset protection that trusts offer. Given Long Island’s high property values and cost of living, trusts can be particularly valuable for local families. A revocable living trust lets your assets transfer to beneficiaries without probate court, saving time and money. It also provides privacy since trust documents don’t become public record like wills do during probate. For families worried about nursing home costs, irrevocable trusts can protect assets while still allowing you to benefit from your property during your lifetime. The right combination of documents depends on your specific situation and goals.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years or after major life changes like marriage, divorce, births, significant asset changes, or health issues. New York law changes periodically, affecting your plan’s effectiveness. Tax laws, Medicaid regulations, and other requirements evolve, creating new opportunities or challenges for your estate plan. Regular reviews ensure your documents still reflect your wishes and take advantage of new planning opportunities. Many clients find their needs change as they age, requiring updates to healthcare directives, trustee selections, or asset protection strategies.

Can you help with Medicaid planning for nursing home care?

Medicaid planning is crucial for Long Island families given the high cost of long-term care here. We help families protect assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid benefits when nursing home care becomes necessary. Medicaid planning requires careful timing and strategy. There’s a five-year lookback period for asset transfers, so planning ahead is essential. We help you understand the complex rules around exempt assets, income limits, and allowable transfers. Our approach includes reviewing your current assets, discussing your long-term care preferences, and developing strategies that protect your family’s financial security while ensuring you receive quality care. This might involve trusts, asset restructuring, or other techniques that work within Medicaid guidelines.

What's the difference between a power of attorney and healthcare directive?

A power of attorney gives someone authority to make financial and legal decisions if you become incapacitated. This includes managing bank accounts, paying bills, making investment decisions, and handling real estate transactions. A healthcare directive specifies your wishes for medical treatment if you can’t communicate them yourself. It covers decisions about life support, pain management, and other medical interventions. A healthcare proxy designates someone to make healthcare decisions not covered in your directive. Both documents are essential because they address different aspects of incapacity planning. Without them, your family might need to petition the court for guardianship, which is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally difficult. Having both ensures your wishes are known and your chosen representatives can act quickly when needed.

Local Resources

Coram, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State

Estate Planning Lawyer in Coram, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today