Wills Attorney in West Hills, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your assets deserve more than New York’s one-size-fits-all inheritance laws. Get a legally sound will that reflects your wishes and protects what matters most.

Estate Planning Wills West Hills

Your Assets, Your Rules, Your Peace of Mind

When you have a properly drafted will, your family knows exactly what you wanted. No guessing games. No court battles over who gets what.

Your executor has clear authority to handle your affairs efficiently. Your minor children have designated guardians you trust. Your assets go to the people you choose, not whoever New York law decides.

Most importantly, your family can focus on grieving and healing instead of navigating legal confusion during an already difficult time.

Trusted Wills Lawyer West Hills

Experience You Can Trust When It Matters Most

We’ve been helping West Hills families protect their legacies since 2012. We understand the unique needs of Long Island residents – from substantial real estate holdings to multi-generational family dynamics.

Our approach is straightforward: we listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and create documents that actually work when your family needs them most. We’ve guided countless families through this process with patience and care.

We’re not just your attorneys – we’re your neighbors, serving the community we call home.

Will Preparation Process West Hills

Simple Process, Lasting Protection

First, we meet to discuss your family situation, assets, and goals. This conversation helps us understand what matters most to you and identify potential issues before they become problems.

Next, we draft your will and related documents, ensuring they comply with New York law while reflecting your specific wishes. We explain each provision so you understand exactly what you’re signing.

Finally, we properly execute your documents with the required witnesses and notarization. We also provide guidance on storing your will safely and updating it as your life changes.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Fratello Law

Get a Free Consultation

Legal Will Drafting West Hills

Comprehensive Will Services for West Hills Families

Your will covers everything from your West Hills home to your investment accounts, personal belongings, and business interests. We help you designate beneficiaries, name an executor, and establish guardianship for minor children.

For West Hills residents with substantial assets, we also address estate tax implications and asset protection strategies. Many of our clients benefit from coordinating their wills with trusts and other estate planning tools.

We handle complex family situations too – blended families, special needs children, and family businesses all require careful planning to avoid future conflicts and ensure your wishes are honored.

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

New York’s intestacy laws will determine who inherits your assets, and it’s probably not what you’d want. If you’re married with children, your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of the remaining assets. The other half goes to your children. This creates problems, especially with real estate. Your spouse might not have enough cash to buy out the children’s share of the family home. If you have children from a previous marriage, they inherit alongside your current spouse, which can create family tension. Without a will, the court also decides who manages your estate and who becomes guardian of your minor children. These decisions happen without your input and may not reflect your wishes.

How much does it cost to have a will prepared?

The cost depends on your situation’s complexity, but most straightforward wills are very affordable compared to the problems they prevent. We provide upfront pricing during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Consider this: probate without a will typically costs much more than having a will prepared. Court fees, legal disputes, and extended probate proceedings can quickly cost thousands of dollars – money that comes out of your family’s inheritance. We also offer package deals that include related documents like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney, giving you comprehensive protection at a reasonable price.

Can I write my own will or use an online template?

While New York allows handwritten wills, DIY approaches often create more problems than they solve. We regularly see homemade wills that don’t meet legal requirements, contain ambiguous language, or miss important issues entirely. Online templates can’t account for your unique family situation or New York’s specific laws. They don’t know about your West Hills real estate, your business interests, or your family dynamics that could cause disputes later. A professionally drafted will costs far less than fixing problems after you’re gone. Your family deserves documents that actually work when they need them most.

How often should I update my will?

Review your will every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in your assets. New York law changes occasionally, and your family situation evolves over time. If you move, buy or sell real estate, start a business, or have grandchildren, your will should reflect these changes. Outdated beneficiary designations or executor appointments can cause problems during probate. We recommend scheduling periodic reviews to ensure your will still matches your current wishes and circumstances. It’s much easier to update a will while you’re healthy than to scramble when health issues arise.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect when you die and goes through probate court. A trust can be active during your lifetime and often avoids probate entirely. Both serve different purposes in estate planning. For many West Hills families, a will handles personal belongings and names guardians for children, while a trust manages larger assets like real estate and investments. Trusts offer more privacy and can provide ongoing management for beneficiaries. The right approach depends on your assets, family situation, and goals. We help you understand which tools make sense for your specific circumstances and coordinate them properly.

Who should I choose as my executor?

Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling financial matters. This person will manage your estate through probate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to your will. Many people choose their spouse, adult children, or close friends. Consider their location, availability, and relationship with your beneficiaries. You can also name a professional executor like a bank or attorney if your estate is complex. Always ask before naming someone as executor, and consider naming an alternate in case your first choice can’t serve. We help you think through these decisions and understand the responsibilities involved.

Local Resources

West Hills, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State

Wills Attorney in West Hills, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today