Wills Attorney in Shirley, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your family deserves certainty, not court battles over your wishes. Our experienced wills attorneys help Shirley families secure their legacy with legally sound documents.

Estate Planning Wills Shirley

Your Wishes, Legally Protected Forever

When you have a properly drafted will, your family knows exactly what you wanted. No guessing. No family disputes. No strangers making decisions about your life’s work.

Your assets go to the people you choose. Your children get the guardians you trust. Your legacy lives on exactly as you envisioned it. That’s the peace of mind a well-crafted will provides.

Without one, New York’s intestacy laws decide everything. Your property could end up with relatives you haven’t spoken to in decades, while the people you actually care about get nothing.

Shirley Wills Lawyer

Long Island's Trusted Estate Planning Firm

We’ve been serving Long Island families since 2012, helping thousands protect their legacies through comprehensive estate planning. We’re not just another law firm—we’re your neighbors who understand what matters to Suffolk County families.

Our team knows the unique challenges Long Island residents face, from high property values to multi-generational family dynamics. We’ve guided families through every scenario, from simple wills to complex estate planning needs.

We offer bilingual services in Spanish and Italian, plus home visits for clients who can’t travel. Because when you’re planning your family’s future, convenience and comfort matter.

Will Preparation Process Shirley

Simple Process, Lasting Protection

First, we meet for a free consultation—in our office, your home, or by video call. We’ll discuss your family situation, assets, and goals to understand exactly what you need.

Next, we draft your will with precise legal language that reflects your wishes. We’ll include guardian designations for minor children, specific asset distributions, and executor appointments. Everything is tailored to your unique circumstances.

Finally, we guide you through the signing process with proper witnesses and notarization. Your will becomes legally binding, and we keep secure copies for your family’s future reference.

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Last Will Testament Shirley

Complete Will Drafting Services

Your will includes comprehensive asset distribution instructions, from your Shirley home to investment accounts and personal belongings. We ensure every detail is covered so nothing gets overlooked.

We designate guardians for your minor children, giving you control over who raises them if something happens to you. This is especially important for Long Island families with strong community ties and specific values they want preserved.

For Shirley residents with complex family situations, we can include specific provisions for disinheritance, charitable giving, or special bequests. We also coordinate with your other estate planning documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

Do I need a will if I don't have many assets?

Yes, absolutely. Even if you only own a car, some savings, and personal belongings, a will ensures these go to the people you choose rather than distant relatives under New York’s intestacy laws. More importantly, if you have minor children, a will is the only way to legally designate who will raise them. Without it, the court decides—and they might not choose the person you would have wanted. A will also names an executor to handle your affairs, which makes things much easier for your family during an already difficult time.

How often should I update my will?

You should review your will after major life events: marriage, divorce, having children, acquiring significant assets, or moving to a new state. We recommend reviewing it every 3-5 years even if nothing major has changed. New York law has specific requirements for will modifications. You can’t just cross things out or write in margins. Any changes need to be done through a formal codicil or by creating a new will entirely. We help our Shirley clients stay current with regular check-ins and updates as their lives evolve. This ensures your will always reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

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

New York’s intestacy laws will distribute your assets according to a predetermined formula, not your personal wishes. Your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of the remainder, with the rest going to your children. If you have no spouse or children, your assets go to your parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. Friends, charities, or anyone else you might have wanted to include get nothing. The court will also appoint an administrator to handle your estate and choose guardians for your minor children. This process takes longer, costs more, and may not align with what you would have wanted.

Can I write my own will without an attorney?

While New York allows self-written wills, they’re extremely risky. We’ve seen too many homemade wills that were invalid due to improper witnessing, unclear language, or missing legal requirements. A will that doesn’t meet New York’s strict legal standards is worthless. Your family will face the same problems as if you had no will at all, plus the added confusion of trying to interpret what you meant. The cost of having a will professionally drafted is minimal compared to the potential costs and heartache of a contested or invalid will. Our free consultation helps you understand exactly what you need.

How long does the will creation process take?

For most Shirley families, we can complete a straightforward will within 1-2 weeks from your initial consultation. Complex estates with multiple properties or business interests may take 3-4 weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly you can gather necessary information about your assets and make decisions about beneficiaries and guardians. We’ll give you a specific timeline after our initial meeting. We never rush this process. Your will is too important to hurry through. We take the time needed to ensure everything is accurate and legally sound.

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

A will only takes effect after you die and must go through probate court. A trust can be used during your lifetime and often avoids probate entirely, providing more privacy and potentially faster asset distribution. Trusts are more complex and expensive to create but offer additional benefits like asset protection and tax advantages. For many Long Island families, the higher property values make trusts worth considering. We help you determine whether a simple will meets your needs or if a trust-based estate plan would better serve your family’s goals. The choice depends on your specific circumstances and objectives.

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

Wills Attorney in Shirley, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today