Estate Planning Attorney in Centereach, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your family deserves peace of mind, not probate court headaches and costly delays when you’re gone.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

What Life Looks Like After Planning

Your assets go exactly where you want them. Your family avoids months of probate court and expensive legal fees. Your healthcare wishes are honored if you can’t speak for yourself.

No more sleepless nights wondering if your loved ones will be okay. No more confusion about who gets what or who makes decisions. Just clear, legally binding documents that protect everything you’ve worked for.

Your children know exactly who will care for them. Your spouse keeps the house. Your business continues running smoothly. That’s what real estate planning does—it removes uncertainty and replaces it with security.

Trusted Centereach Elder Law Firm

Long Island Lawyers Who Actually Get It

We’ve been serving Suffolk County families since 2012, and we know what keeps Centereach residents up at night. We understand the challenge of being “house rich and cash poor” that affects so many Long Island families, especially with property taxes that never stop climbing.

Our team speaks Spanish and Italian, and we’ll meet you wherever you’re comfortable—your kitchen table, the hospital, or our office. We’ve helped hundreds of local families protect their assets from nursing home costs and ensure their wishes are followed without family drama.

Founded by Cheryl Fratello, our firm focuses exclusively on estate planning, elder law, and the real estate issues that matter to Long Island families. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re dedicated to protecting what you’ve spent a lifetime building.

Estate Planning Process Centereach

How We Create Your Protection Plan

First, we listen. Every family situation is different, and we need to understand your specific concerns, assets, and goals. This initial consultation is always free, and we can meet wherever you’re most comfortable—even your living room.

Next, we analyze your situation and explain your options in plain English. No legal jargon, no pressure tactics. We’ll show you exactly what documents you need and why, plus how they protect your family and assets from probate court delays and nursing home costs.

Then we prepare your customized documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, whatever your situation requires. We review everything with you line by line, make any changes you want, and ensure you understand how each document works.

Finally, we execute your plan properly and store your documents securely. We’re here for updates as your life changes, and we’ll work with your family when the time comes to implement your wishes without confusion or conflict.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Fratello Law

Get a Free Consultation

Centereach Wills and Trusts Services

Everything Your Family Needs Protection From

Your estate plan includes all the legal documents needed to protect your family and assets from probate court, nursing home costs, and family disputes. We prepare wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills tailored to your specific situation and Long Island’s unique challenges.

For Centereach families, we also handle Medicaid planning that protects your home while still qualifying for benefits when you need long-term care. With nursing home costs reaching $600,000 on Long Island, this protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Special needs families get additional protection through supplemental needs trusts that preserve government benefits. Business owners receive succession planning that keeps their companies running smoothly. Veterans get help accessing benefits they’ve earned through their service.

We also handle the real estate aspects that other firms miss—making sure your property transfers correctly, your deeds are updated, and your family can access what they need without unnecessary delays or expensive legal battles.

How much does estate planning cost in Centereach, NY?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs, but most basic plans range from $1,500 to $3,500. This typically includes your will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and any necessary trusts to avoid probate court. More complex situations involving business ownership, multiple properties, or significant assets may cost more. However, the cost of proper planning is always far less than what your family will pay in probate court, estate taxes, and legal fees without a plan. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and your initial consultation is always free. We’ll give you a clear estimate based on your specific situation before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a trust if I live in Centereach?

Many Centereach residents benefit from trusts, especially given Long Island’s high property values and the risk of nursing home costs. A revocable trust helps your family avoid probate court entirely, saving months of delays and thousands in fees. If you own a home worth more than $184,500 (the current small estate threshold in New York), your family will likely face probate without a trust. For a typical Centereach home, this means significant time and expense that a trust easily avoids. Trusts also provide privacy—your family’s financial information stays private instead of becoming public record in probate court. For families concerned about Medicaid planning or asset protection, certain types of trusts offer additional benefits that wills cannot provide.

How do I protect my assets from nursing home costs?

Asset protection requires careful planning, ideally starting at least five years before you need care. Medicaid has a five-year “lookback” period, so transfers made within that timeframe can disqualify you from benefits. Irrevocable trusts are one effective strategy—properly structured, they can protect your home and savings while still allowing you to qualify for Medicaid. However, these trusts have strict rules and permanent consequences, so they’re not right for everyone. Other strategies include spousal protection planning, which preserves assets for a healthy spouse, and Veterans benefits for qualifying service members. The key is starting early and working with an attorney who understands both Medicaid rules and Long Island’s unique financial challenges.

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

Without a will, New York’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets, and it might not match your wishes. Your spouse gets the first $50,000 plus half of the remainder, with your children splitting the rest. If you have no spouse or children, your parents or siblings inherit. Your family must still go through probate court, but now they need to petition for someone to be appointed administrator. This process takes longer and costs more than having a will with a named executor. Perhaps most importantly, you lose all control over who raises your minor children. The court will decide based on what it thinks is best, which may not align with your preferences. A will lets you name guardians and provide for your children’s care exactly as you want.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever you experience major life changes. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant changes in assets, or moves to different states all trigger the need for updates. New York law changes can also affect your plan. Tax law modifications, changes in Medicaid rules, or updates to probate procedures might require document revisions to maintain their effectiveness. We recommend an annual review for complex estates or situations involving business ownership. For most families, checking your plan every few years ensures it still reflects your current wishes and circumstances. We’ll remind you when it’s time for a review.

Can you help with Medicaid applications in Centereach?

Yes, we handle Medicaid applications for Long Island residents, including the complex asset protection planning that often accompanies these applications. Medicaid rules are intricate, and mistakes can cost your family thousands in benefits. We help with both community Medicaid (for care at home) and nursing home Medicaid. This includes preparing the extensive documentation required, ensuring proper asset transfers, and navigating the application process with Suffolk County’s Department of Social Services. Our bilingual team can assist Spanish and Italian-speaking families throughout the process. We also coordinate with your healthcare providers and financial institutions to ensure all requirements are met correctly and on time.

Local Resources

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

Estate Planning Attorney in Centereach, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today