Fratello Law

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Free Estate Planning Consultation
Free Estate Planning Consultation

Wills Attorney in Matinecock, NY

Your Family's Future Deserves Better Than Chance

Stop leaving your loved ones’ security to New York’s intestacy laws. Get a properly drafted will that protects your family and honors your wishes.

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Call: 631-406-5580

Estate Planning Wills Matinecock

Finally, Peace of Mind About Tomorrow

You’ve worked hard to build your life in Matinecock, NY. Your home, your savings, your family’s future – it all deserves protection that goes beyond hope and good intentions. A properly drafted will means your children get the guardians you choose, not the ones a court assigns. Your assets go to the people you love, not distant relatives you haven’t spoken to in decades. Your family gets clarity during their most difficult time, not confusion and legal battles.

Without a will, New York decides who gets what. Your spouse might only receive the first $50,000 plus half of your remaining assets, while the rest gets divided among your children. Is that really what you want for your family?

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Trusted Wills Lawyer Matinecock

Long Island Families Trust Us With What Matters Most

We’ve been serving Long Island families since 2012. We understand what makes this community unique – from the multi-generational homes in Matinecock, NY to the complex family dynamics that come with generational wealth.

Our founder, Cheryl Fratello, has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and received the Outstanding Women in Law award. But what really matters is how we treat your family – with the same care and attention we’d give our own.

We offer bilingual services in Spanish and Italian because Long Island’s diverse communities deserve legal guidance in their preferred language. When you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you – at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re comfortable.

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Will Preparation Process Matinecock

Simple Steps to Protect Your Family's Future

Your will starts with a free consultation where we listen to your specific situation. No cookie-cutter solutions here – we need to understand your family dynamics, your assets, and your concerns before we draft anything.

Next, we’ll walk you through your options. Maybe you need a simple will, or perhaps a testamentary trust makes more sense for your situation. We’ll explain everything in plain English, not legal jargon, so you can make informed decisions.

Once we draft your will, we’ll make sure it meets all of New York’s strict requirements. That means proper signing, witnessing, and execution – because even small mistakes can invalidate your entire will. We handle every detail so your family never has to worry about whether your wishes will be honored.

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Comprehensive Will Services Matinecock

Everything Your Will Needs to Actually Work

Your will isn’t just about who gets your house. It covers everything from your investment accounts to your personal belongings, from naming an executor to designating guardians for your minor children.

In Matinecock, NY, where home values can range from hundreds of thousands to millions, proper asset protection planning becomes crucial. We help you structure your will to minimize estate taxes and avoid unnecessary probate delays that can tie up your family’s inheritance for months.

We also understand the unique challenges Long Island families face – from aging parents who need Medicaid planning to adult children who live across the country. Your will needs to account for these realities, not just theoretical legal requirements.

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

If you die without a will in New York, your assets get distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, not your wishes. This means your spouse doesn’t automatically inherit everything – they get the first $50,000 plus half of your remaining assets, with the other half split among your children. If you don’t have children, your spouse shares your estate with your parents or siblings. If you have no living relatives, everything goes to the state. This process takes longer, costs more, and often results in outcomes you never would have chosen. The court also decides who raises your minor children, which might not align with your preferences. Creating a will ensures your wishes are followed, not the state’s default rules.
You should review your will after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, significant financial changes, or the death of beneficiaries or executors. At minimum, review it every three to five years. Life changes constantly, especially for Long Island families dealing with aging parents, growing children, and changing financial situations. Your will from ten years ago might not reflect your current family structure or financial reality. We recommend keeping your will current because outdated documents can create confusion and legal challenges for your family. Simple updates now prevent complicated problems later.
While New York allows self-written wills, even small mistakes can make your entire will invalid. Online templates don’t account for New York’s specific requirements or your unique family situation. We’ve seen too many families discover their DIY will doesn’t work when they need it most. Missing signatures, improper witnessing, or unclear language can void your will entirely, leaving your family with the same problems as if you’d never written one. Professional will preparation costs far less than the legal fees and family conflicts that result from invalid documents. It’s an investment in your family’s peace of mind.
A will distributes your assets after death through the probate process, while a trust can transfer assets immediately upon death without court involvement. Wills are public documents; trusts remain private. For many Long Island families, a will provides sufficient protection and costs less to create and maintain. However, if you own property in multiple states, have complex family situations, or want to avoid probate entirely, a trust might be better. We’ll help you understand which option makes sense for your specific situation. Sometimes the best solution combines both – a will for personal items and guardianship, with a trust for major assets.
Will preparation costs vary based on your situation’s complexity, but it’s always less expensive than the problems that arise without proper planning. We provide transparent pricing upfront so you know exactly what to expect. Consider the cost of probate delays, family disputes, and potential tax consequences without proper planning. A professionally prepared will typically saves your family thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and explain our fees. Most families find that professional will preparation is surprisingly affordable compared to the peace of mind it provides.
Yes, we provide home visits throughout the Matinecock, NY area and surrounding Long Island communities. This service is especially valuable for elderly clients, those with mobility issues, or families who prefer the comfort of their own home. Home visits allow us to better understand your family dynamics and see the assets you’re planning to distribute. It’s also more convenient for busy families who can’t easily get to our office during business hours. We also offer hospital and nursing home visits when necessary. Our goal is to make estate planning as accessible and comfortable as possible for every family we serve.

Local Resources

Matinecock, NY is located in Nassau County in New York State