Wills Attorney in Glen Head, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Professional will preparation that ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected when it matters most.

Estate Planning Wills Glen Head

Your Family Deserves Real Protection

When you have a properly drafted will, your family won’t face months of court delays or thousands in unnecessary legal fees. Your children will be cared for by the guardians you choose, not someone the state assigns. Your assets go exactly where you want them to go, without family disputes or confusion.

Too many Long Island families discover too late that a simple will could have prevented years of heartache and financial stress. You get to decide who inherits your home, your savings, and your personal belongings. You get to name the person who will raise your children if something happens to you.

That’s the difference between having a plan and leaving everything to chance. Your family deserves certainty, not chaos.

Glen Head Wills Lawyer

Local Expertise You Can Trust

We have been serving Long Island families through life’s most important transitions for years. We understand the unique challenges that come with homeownership, multi-generational planning, and the regional considerations that matter here in Nassau County.

We’re not just another law firm. We offer bilingual services in Spanish and Italian, and we’ll meet you at your home, hospital, or nursing home when you can’t come to us. Because we know that estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about protecting the people and values that matter most to you.

Our approach is straightforward: we listen to what you want, explain your options clearly, and create a plan that actually works for your family’s specific situation.

Will Preparation Process Glen Head

Simple Process, Powerful Protection

We start with a consultation where we discuss your family situation, your assets, and your goals. No legal jargon, no pressure—just an honest conversation about what you want to accomplish and what options make sense for you.

Next, we draft your will with careful attention to New York state requirements and your specific wishes. We make sure every detail is clear, from asset distribution to guardian designations. We also identify any gaps in your plan and recommend additional documents that might protect your family.

Finally, we guide you through the proper execution and signing process. We explain how to store your documents safely and when you should update your will as your life circumstances change. You’ll leave knowing your family is protected and your wishes will be honored.

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Comprehensive Will Services Glen Head

Complete Will Preparation Services

Your will includes asset distribution instructions, executor designation, and guardian appointments for minor children. We also address specific bequests for personal items, funeral preferences, and any special instructions you want to include.

For Glen Head residents, we understand the importance of addressing Long Island real estate, local tax implications, and the complexities of multi-generational family structures common in our community. Many of our clients own homes that have been in their families for decades, and we help ensure these properties transfer smoothly to the next generation.

We also coordinate your will with other essential documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives. This comprehensive approach means your family is protected whether you’re dealing with incapacity during your lifetime or estate administration after your passing. Everything works together as part of a cohesive plan.

How much does it cost to have a will prepared in Glen Head, NY?

The cost of will preparation depends on the complexity of your estate and your specific needs. Simple wills typically cost less than complex estates with multiple properties, business interests, or intricate family situations. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your situation and provide clear pricing information upfront. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Many clients find that the cost of professional will preparation is far less than the potential costs their families would face without proper planning. We also offer package pricing when you need multiple estate planning documents, which can provide better value than preparing documents individually. The investment in professional will preparation often pays for itself many times over by avoiding probate delays, family disputes, and costly legal complications later.

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

If you die without a will in New York, you die “intestate,” which means the state’s laws determine how your assets are distributed. This process rarely aligns with what most people would actually want for their families. Under New York’s intestacy laws, your assets go to your closest living relatives in a specific order determined by the state, not by your personal wishes. Your spouse might not inherit everything, and your children might not receive what you intended. The court also appoints an administrator to handle your estate, which might not be the person you would have chosen. The intestacy process typically takes longer and costs more than probate with a proper will. Your family has no guidance about your wishes for funeral arrangements, personal belongings, or guardianship of minor children. This uncertainty often leads to family conflicts and legal disputes during an already difficult time.

Can I write my own will, or do I need an attorney?

While New York law allows you to write your own will, DIY wills often create more problems than they solve. Online templates and fill-in-the-blank forms use generic language that doesn’t account for New York’s specific legal requirements or your unique family situation. Common mistakes in self-prepared wills include improper witness signatures, ambiguous language that leads to disputes, and failure to account for all assets or contingencies. These errors can invalidate your will entirely or create costly legal battles for your family. An experienced attorney ensures your will meets all legal requirements, addresses your specific situation, and actually accomplishes your goals. The cost of professional will preparation is typically much less than the problems and expenses your family might face with a flawed DIY will. When it comes to protecting your family’s future, professional guidance provides peace of mind and better outcomes.

How often should I update my will?

You should review your will whenever you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, death of beneficiaries, significant changes in assets, or relocation to a different state. These events can dramatically affect how your will operates and whether it still reflects your wishes. We recommend reviewing your will every three to five years even if no major changes have occurred. Tax laws change, family relationships evolve, and your financial situation may shift in ways that affect your estate plan. Regular reviews ensure your will remains current and effective. Some clients prefer to schedule periodic reviews as part of our ongoing legal services. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they become problems and ensures your will continues to provide the protection your family needs as circumstances change over time.

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

A will takes effect after your death and must go through probate court, which can take months and becomes part of the public record. A trust can take effect immediately and allows your assets to pass to beneficiaries without probate, providing privacy and faster distribution. Wills are generally simpler and less expensive to create, making them suitable for straightforward estates. Trusts offer more control over how and when assets are distributed, can provide tax benefits, and can protect assets from creditors. Trusts also continue to operate if you become incapacitated, while wills only take effect after death. Many clients benefit from having both a will and a trust as part of their comprehensive estate plan. The will handles assets that aren’t in the trust and addresses guardianship for minor children, while the trust manages the bulk of the estate. We help you determine which combination of tools most effectively serves your family’s needs and goals.

Do I need witnesses when I sign my will in New York?

Yes, New York law requires two witnesses to watch you sign your will, and both witnesses must also sign the document in your presence and in the presence of each other. The witnesses must be adults who are not beneficiaries under your will, as this could create conflicts of interest. The witnessing process is crucial for your will’s validity. If the witnessing requirements aren’t met properly, your will could be challenged or declared invalid. The witnesses may need to testify about the signing process if your will is contested, so it’s important they understand their role and can be located if needed. We guide you through the proper execution process to ensure all legal requirements are met. This includes arranging for appropriate witnesses, explaining the process to everyone involved, and making sure the signing ceremony follows New York law exactly. Proper execution protects your will from challenges and ensures your wishes are honored.

Local Resources

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

Wills Attorney in Glen Head, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today