Fratello Law

Estate Planning Attorney in Hicksville, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your legacy and gives your family peace of mind during life’s most important transitions.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Hicksville

Your Family Gets Real Protection
When your estate plan is properly structured, your family avoids the stress of probate court, saves thousands in legal fees, and receives their inheritance quickly. No confusion about your wishes. No family arguments over assets. Your loved ones get clear direction during an already difficult time. They know exactly who makes medical decisions if you can’t. They understand how your assets transfer. Most importantly, they’re protected from the financial burden that comes with poor planning. This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about ensuring your family has the resources they need when they need them most, without the typical delays and complications that leave families struggling for months or years.

Hicksville Estate Planning Law Firm

Long Island Focused, Family Centered
We have been serving Long Island families since 2012, with deep roots in understanding the unique challenges facing Hicksville residents. We know the local landscape – from Nassau County’s high property values to the complex Medicaid planning needed when nursing home costs can reach $600,000. Our bilingual team provides services in Spanish and Italian, reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We offer home and hospital visits because we understand that Long Island’s transportation challenges shouldn’t prevent you from getting the legal protection you need. We’re not just your attorneys – we’re your neighbors who understand what it means to want to age in place, protect your family home, and ensure your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes.

Estate Planning Process Hicksville NY

Simple Process, Powerful Protection
We start with a free consultation where we listen to your specific situation and concerns. No pressure, no sales pitch – just an honest conversation about your family’s needs and goals. Next, we develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your circumstances. This includes drafting your will, establishing trusts if needed, creating power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives. We explain everything in plain language so you understand exactly what each document does. Finally, we guide you through the signing process and ensure all documents are properly executed. We also provide ongoing support as your life changes, because estate planning isn’t a one-time event – it evolves with your family’s needs.

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Wills and Trusts Attorney Hicksville

Complete Protection for Long Island Families
Your estate plan includes all essential documents: wills, trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. We also handle Medicaid planning, which is crucial for Long Island residents facing potential nursing home costs. For Hicksville families, we address specific local concerns like protecting your home equity in Nassau County’s high-value real estate market. We understand the five-year Medicaid lookback period and help you plan accordingly to preserve your assets. Our services extend beyond basic documents. We provide guardianship planning for families with special needs members, asset protection strategies for business owners, and coordination with your existing financial advisors to ensure your complete financial picture is protected.

How much does estate planning cost in Hicksville, NY?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs and the complexity of your situation. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your circumstances and provide transparent pricing upfront. Simple wills and basic documents typically cost less than comprehensive plans involving trusts and advanced Medicaid planning. However, the cost of proper planning is minimal compared to the potential expenses your family could face without it – probate proceedings alone can cost thousands of dollars and take months to resolve. We offer flexible payment options and work with you to create a plan that fits your budget while providing the protection your family needs.
Many Hicksville residents benefit from trusts, especially given Nassau County’s high property values and the potential for significant estate taxes. If your home is worth over $400,000 or you have substantial assets, a trust can help your family avoid probate and reduce tax burdens. Trusts are also valuable for Medicaid planning. With nursing home costs on Long Island averaging $600,000 for a three-year stay, proper trust planning can help protect your assets while ensuring you qualify for benefits when needed. The decision depends on your specific circumstances, family situation, and financial goals. During our consultation, we’ll evaluate whether a trust makes sense for your situation and explain the benefits clearly.
Without an estate plan, New York state law determines how your assets are distributed, which often doesn’t align with your wishes. Your family will likely face probate court, which can take months or years and cost thousands in legal fees. If you become incapacitated without proper documents, your family may need to go to court to get permission to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf. This process is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining during an already difficult time. For Long Island families, the stakes are even higher due to high property values and complex Medicaid rules. Without proper planning, your family could lose significant assets or face unnecessary tax burdens that proper planning could have avoided.
You should review your estate plan every three to five years or whenever you experience major life changes like marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, significant changes in assets, or relocation. New York laws also change periodically, affecting estate planning strategies. For example, tax exemption amounts are adjusted regularly, and Medicaid rules evolve. We stay current with these changes and notify clients when updates might benefit their plans. For Long Island residents, changes in property values or family circumstances often trigger the need for plan updates. We provide ongoing support to ensure your plan remains effective as your life and the legal landscape evolve.
Yes, Medicaid planning is a crucial service we provide for Long Island families. With nursing home costs potentially reaching $600,000 for a three-year stay, proper Medicaid planning can save your family’s financial future. We help you understand the five-year lookback period and develop strategies to protect your assets while ensuring you qualify for benefits when needed. This might include asset protection trusts, proper timing of asset transfers, or other legal strategies. Our team is experienced with New York’s Medicaid rules and can guide you through the application process. We also coordinate with your other advisors to ensure your Medicaid planning aligns with your overall estate plan and financial goals.
Yes, we provide home visits throughout the Hicksville area and surrounding Long Island communities. We understand that transportation can be challenging for some clients, especially seniors or those with mobility issues. Home visits allow us to meet you in a comfortable, familiar environment where you can easily access important documents and discuss sensitive family matters privately. We also visit clients in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. We offer flexible scheduling including early morning and after-hours appointments to accommodate your needs. Whether you prefer to meet in our office, your home, or virtually via phone or video conference, we work around your schedule and comfort level.