Fratello Law

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Free Estate Planning Consultation
Free Estate Planning Consultation

Wills Attorney in Stony Brook, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Professional will preparation that gives you peace of mind and keeps your loved ones out of court battles.

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Call: 631-406-5580

Will Preparation Stony Brook

Your Family Deserves Better Than Guesswork

When you don’t have a will, New York decides who gets what. Your spouse might not inherit everything you think they will. Your children could end up in court fighting over assets you worked years to build. A properly drafted will changes everything. Your assets go exactly where you want them. Your children have guardians you chose, not ones a judge picks. Your family skips the expensive, months-long probate process that drains estates and creates lasting resentment.

You get to decide. Your family gets to heal instead of hiring lawyers to fight each other.

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Estate Planning Attorney Stony Brook

We Know Long Island Families

We’ve been helping Long Island families protect what matters most for over a decade. We understand the unique challenges you face here—from protecting your home’s value to navigating local property laws.

Our team speaks your language, literally. We provide services in Spanish and Italian because we know how important it is to discuss your family’s future in the language that feels most comfortable. We’re not just your attorneys; we’re your neighbors.

When you can’t come to us, we come to you. Hospital visits, nursing home consultations, or meetings in your own home—we make legal planning accessible when you need it most.

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Will Drafting Process Stony Brook

Simple Steps, Lasting Protection

First, we listen. Every family is different, and your will should reflect your specific wishes and concerns. We’ll discuss your assets, your family dynamics, and your goals in plain English—no legal jargon that leaves you confused.

Next, we draft your will using language that’s clear and legally sound. We’ll name your beneficiaries, designate guardians for minor children, and choose an executor you trust. Every detail gets reviewed to ensure it matches New York law requirements.

Finally, we execute your will with proper witnesses and notarization. You’ll leave with original documents, copies for your records, and the confidence that your family is protected. We’re available for updates whenever your life changes.

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Last Will Testament Stony Brook

More Than Just Document Preparation

Your will is the foundation, but complete protection requires more. We help you designate healthcare proxies so someone you trust can make medical decisions if you can’t. Power of attorney documents ensure your finances stay in the right hands during emergencies.

Long Island homeowners face unique challenges. Property values here mean your estate might trigger taxes you didn’t expect. We structure your will to minimize these costs and maximize what your family inherits.

Special circumstances get special attention. Blended families, business ownership, or children with special needs all require careful planning. We’ve handled these situations countless times and know how to protect everyone involved while honoring your wishes.

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How much does it cost to have a will prepared in Stony Brook?

Will preparation costs vary based on your estate’s complexity, but most straightforward wills range from $500 to $2,000. We provide flat-fee pricing upfront so you know exactly what you’ll pay before we begin. Simple wills for individuals or couples with basic asset distribution needs typically cost less than complex documents involving multiple beneficiaries, business interests, or special needs planning. During your free consultation, we’ll assess your situation and provide a written fee proposal with no surprises. Remember, the cost of preparing a will now is minimal compared to the thousands your family could spend on probate court proceedings, legal disputes, or estate taxes if you don’t have proper planning in place.
New York’s intestate succession laws take control of your estate when you die without a will. These laws follow a strict hierarchy that may not match your wishes at all. If you’re married with children, your spouse receives the first $50,000 plus half of the remaining assets, while your children split the rest. If you have no children, your spouse gets everything. But if you’re not married, your assets go to your children equally, regardless of their ages, needs, or your relationship with them. Without a will, you also can’t name guardians for minor children, designate an executor you trust, or make specific gifts to people who matter to you. The court appoints an administrator and potentially a guardian, which creates delays, extra costs, and family stress during an already difficult time.
While New York allows handwritten wills, DIY approaches often create more problems than they solve. Online templates can’t account for your specific family situation, New York’s particular legal requirements, or potential tax implications. Common mistakes include improper witness signatures, unclear language that leads to disputes, forgetting to update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, or failing to account for all your assets. These errors can invalidate your will entirely or create expensive legal battles for your family. An experienced attorney ensures your will meets all legal requirements, uses precise language that prevents misinterpretation, and coordinates with your other estate planning documents. The small investment in professional preparation protects your family from much larger costs and complications later.
Review your will every three to five years, or immediately after major life changes. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moves to different states all require will updates. New York law has specific rules about how marriage and divorce affect existing wills. Getting married can revoke certain provisions, while divorce automatically removes your ex-spouse as a beneficiary in most cases. But these automatic changes might not align with your current wishes. We recommend scheduling regular reviews to ensure your will still reflects your goals and family situation. During these reviews, we’ll also check that your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets coordinate with your will’s provisions.
A will takes effect only after you die and must go through probate court, while a trust can manage your assets during your lifetime and transfer them immediately upon death without court involvement. Wills are typically simpler and less expensive to create, making them ideal for straightforward estates. They’re perfect when you want to name guardians for children, make specific gifts, or ensure basic asset distribution. Probate provides court oversight, which some families prefer for transparency. Trusts offer more privacy, avoid probate delays, and can provide ongoing management for beneficiaries who aren’t ready to handle large inheritances. They’re especially valuable for larger estates, blended families, or situations involving minor children or special needs beneficiaries. Many families use both documents together for comprehensive protection.
Yes, New York requires two witnesses who are present when you sign your will. These witnesses must also sign the document in your presence and in each other’s presence. The witnesses should be adults who won’t inherit anything under your will. Proper witnessing is crucial because improper execution can invalidate your entire will. The witnesses must understand they’re witnessing a will signing, and they may need to testify in probate court about the signing if questions arise about the will’s validity. We handle all witness requirements during your will signing appointment, ensuring everything meets New York’s strict legal standards. We also recommend notarization, which isn’t required but can simplify the probate process by creating a “self-proving” will that doesn’t require witness testimony in court.

Local Resources

Stony Brook, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State