Fratello Law

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Estate Planning Lawyer in Glen Head, NY

Protect Your Legacy With Confidence

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your family’s future and honors your wishes through every life transition.

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Call: 631-406-5580

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services Glen Head

Your Family's Security Starts Here

You’ve worked hard to build something meaningful in Glen Head, NY. Your home, your savings, your business—these aren’t just assets. They’re the foundation of your family’s future, and they deserve protection that goes beyond basic paperwork.

When you have a comprehensive estate plan in place, your family knows exactly what to do. No confusion about your wishes. No lengthy court battles. No unnecessary tax burdens eating away at what you’ve built. Your assets transfer smoothly to the people you care about, exactly as you intended.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is handled properly? That’s something you can’t put a price on. But the financial protection for your family is measurable, and it’s substantial.

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Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Glen Head

Long Island Families Trust Our Experience

We’ve been serving Long Island families for years, and we understand what matters most to Glen Head, NY residents. You’ve built substantial wealth through hard work and smart decisions. You own valuable real estate in one of New York’s most desirable communities. You want to make sure it all stays in the family.

Our approach is different from the large, impersonal firms. We take time to understand your unique situation—your family dynamics, your business interests, your concerns about aging parents or special needs children. We speak your language, literally, offering services in Spanish and Italian for families who prefer their native tongue.

We’ll come to you when needed. Whether that’s your home, the hospital, or a nursing facility, we make sure distance never becomes a barrier to getting the legal protection you need.

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Estate Planning Process Glen Head NY

A Clear Path to Complete Protection

We start with a conversation about what matters most to you. Not just your assets, but your values, your concerns, and your hopes for your family’s future. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning—every family is different, and your plan should reflect that.

Next, we analyze your current situation. Your real estate holdings, business interests, retirement accounts, and any existing legal documents. We identify gaps in protection and opportunities to minimize taxes or avoid probate. You’ll understand exactly what we’re recommending and why.

Then we create your comprehensive estate plan. This typically includes your will, trusts if needed, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives. We handle all the legal requirements and make sure everything is properly executed and coordinated. You’ll leave with complete documentation and clear instructions for your family.

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Asset Protection Planning Glen Head

Complete Protection for Glen Head Families

Your estate plan needs to work specifically for Long Island. That means understanding New York’s estate tax laws, which kick in at much lower asset levels than federal taxes. It means knowing how Nassau County handles probate proceedings and what local families typically face during difficult times.

For Glen Head, NY residents, we often focus on protecting high-value real estate from unnecessary taxation. We help business owners create succession plans that keep family enterprises running smoothly. We assist with Medicaid planning for long-term care, which can easily cost over $150,000 annually in our area.

Our plans also address the unique challenges of multi-generational wealth transfer. How do you provide for children while encouraging their independence? How do you protect assets from potential creditors or divorce proceedings? How do you ensure your philanthropic goals are met while minimizing tax consequences? These are the questions we answer together.

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How much does estate planning cost in Glen Head, NY?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs and the complexity of your situation. A basic estate plan with essential documents typically starts around $1,500-$3,000, while comprehensive plans involving trusts and advanced tax strategies can range from $5,000-$15,000 or more. The key is understanding that estate planning is an investment that often saves families significantly more than it costs. Without proper planning, your family could face estate taxes of 40% or more, probate costs of 3-7% of your estate value, and potential family conflicts that cost both money and relationships. We offer free initial consultations where we’ll discuss your situation and provide transparent pricing for the services you actually need. No surprises, no pressure—just honest guidance about protecting your family’s future.
Many Glen Head, NY residents benefit from trusts, but it depends on your specific circumstances. If you own real estate worth more than $1 million, have minor children, own a business, or want to minimize estate taxes, a trust is often the right choice. Trusts offer several advantages for Long Island families. They avoid probate, which can take 6-18 months and cost thousands in legal fees. They provide privacy—your family’s financial information doesn’t become public record. They can protect assets from creditors and provide tax benefits for larger estates. The decision comes down to your goals and your family’s needs. During our consultation, we’ll review your assets, discuss your concerns, and help you understand whether a trust makes sense for your situation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll give you honest advice about what’s truly necessary.
If you die without a will in New York, state law determines how your assets are distributed, and it probably won’t match your wishes. Your spouse receives $50,000 plus half of your remaining assets, with the other half going to your children—even if they’re minors who can’t manage the money responsibly. This creates immediate problems for Glen Head, NY families. Your spouse might not have enough assets to maintain your lifestyle or keep the family home. Your children could receive substantial inheritances at age 18 when they’re not prepared for that responsibility. If you’re unmarried, your assets go to your parents or siblings, not a longtime partner. The probate process becomes more complicated and expensive without a will. Your family has to petition the court to appoint an administrator, which takes time and money. They can’t access your accounts or sell property without court approval. What should be a difficult time becomes unnecessarily stressful and costly.
You should review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life changes, whichever comes first. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant changes in wealth, or moving to a different state all trigger the need for updates. Tax laws change frequently, and what worked five years ago might not be optimal today. New York’s estate tax exemption, federal tax laws, and Medicaid rules all evolve regularly. Your plan needs to stay current with these changes to remain effective. We recommend scheduling a review whenever you experience major life events: buying or selling significant real estate, starting or selling a business, children reaching adulthood, or health changes that affect your long-term care needs. These situations often require adjustments to your documents or your overall strategy.
Yes, Medicaid planning is a crucial part of estate planning for many Glen Head, NY families. Long-term care costs in our area can exceed $150,000 annually, and without proper planning, these expenses can quickly exhaust a lifetime of savings. Medicaid has strict asset and income limits, but there are legal strategies to protect your wealth while still qualifying for benefits. These include Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, proper timing of asset transfers, and understanding the complex “look-back” rules that vary by county. The key is planning ahead. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period for asset transfers, so waiting until you need care immediately limits your options. We help families create strategies that protect their assets while ensuring they can access quality care when needed. This planning often involves coordinating with your financial advisor and understanding how different types of assets are treated under Medicaid rules.
A will is a document that directs how your assets should be distributed after you die, but it only takes effect upon your death and must go through probate court. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that can hold and manage your assets during your lifetime and after your death, often avoiding probate entirely. Wills are simpler and less expensive to create, making them suitable for smaller estates or straightforward situations. However, they become public record during probate, and the court process can take months or years. Trusts offer more privacy, faster asset distribution, and can provide ongoing management for beneficiaries who aren’t ready to handle large inheritances. For Glen Head, NY residents with substantial assets, trusts often make more sense. They can minimize estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and provide flexibility in how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Many families use both—a will for personal items and final instructions, and a trust for major assets like real estate and investments.

Local Resources

Glen Head, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State