Fratello Law

Estate Planning Attorney in Ronkonkoma, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Comprehensive estate planning that safeguards your assets and ensures your wishes are honored, no matter what life brings.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services Ronkonkoma

Your Family Deserves Financial Security

When you have a solid estate plan in place, your family won’t face the stress of probate court, costly legal battles, or uncertainty about your wishes. Your assets stay protected from nursing home costs that can drain a lifetime of savings in just a few years.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing your healthcare decisions are documented and trusted individuals can step in when needed. Your loved ones receive their inheritance quickly and privately, without court delays or public records.

Most importantly, you maintain control over your legacy while you’re here and ensure your family is taken care of when you’re not.

Trusted Estate Planning Lawyers Ronkonkoma

Local Knowledge You Can Trust

We have been serving Long Island families for years, understanding the unique challenges residents face. From protecting your home against rising property taxes to navigating New York’s complex Medicaid requirements, we know what matters most to local families.

We offer consultations in English, Spanish, and Italian, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Whether you need to meet in our office, over video call, or in your home, we make estate planning accessible and comfortable.

Our approach is personal, not transactional. We build relationships that span generations, often helping adult children navigate the same planning process we guided their parents through years earlier.

Estate Planning Process Ronkonkoma NY

Simple Steps to Secure Your Legacy

Your estate planning journey starts with a free consultation where you discuss your family situation, assets, and concerns. No pressure, no sales pitch – just honest conversation about your needs and goals.

Next, we develop a personalized plan that might include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Every document is tailored to your specific situation, not pulled from a generic template.

Once your documents are prepared, we walk you through each one, explaining what it does and why it’s important. After signing, you receive copies and guidance on next steps, like updating beneficiaries or discussing the plan with family members.

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Asset Protection Planning Ronkonkoma

Comprehensive Protection for Long Island Families

Estate planning in Ronkonkoma requires understanding local realities. Property values here mean many families have significant assets tied up in their homes, making asset protection crucial against potential nursing home costs.

New York’s Medicaid rules are complex, with specific look-back periods and asset limits that change regularly. We stay current on these regulations to help families qualify for benefits while protecting what they’ve worked to build.

We also understand the transportation challenges many seniors face on Long Island, which is why we offer home visits and flexible scheduling. Your estate planning shouldn’t be limited by mobility or schedule constraints.

How much does estate planning cost in Ronkonkoma, NY?

Estate planning costs vary based on your specific needs and the complexity of your situation. A basic will might cost less than comprehensive planning that includes trusts and advanced directives. The real question isn’t what estate planning costs, but what it costs your family if you don’t have it. Probate proceedings can consume 3-10% of your estate value, and nursing home costs can drain $600,000 or more from your savings. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options and costs upfront. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
A will is essential, but it doesn’t avoid probate or protect assets from nursing home costs. Trusts offer additional benefits like privacy, probate avoidance, and asset protection that wills simply can’t provide. For Long Island families, trusts are particularly valuable because they can protect your home and savings from Medicaid spend-down requirements. If you or your spouse ever need long-term care, a properly structured trust can preserve your assets for your family. The decision depends on your specific situation, family dynamics, and financial goals. During your consultation, we’ll explain whether a trust makes sense for your circumstances.
Without proper documents, your family would need to petition the court for guardianship, which is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. The court, not your family, would decide who makes decisions for you. This process can take months while bills pile up and important decisions wait. Your family might disagree about care decisions, leading to additional court proceedings and family conflicts. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives prevent this scenario by clearly designating who you trust to make financial and medical decisions. These documents give your chosen agents immediate authority to act on your behalf.
Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life changes like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets. New York laws also change, which might affect your plan’s effectiveness. Many people create their estate plan and then forget about it for decades. This can lead to outdated beneficiaries, invalid provisions, or missed opportunities for tax savings or asset protection. We recommend regular check-ins to ensure your plan still reflects your wishes and takes advantage of current laws. We’ll review your documents and suggest updates when needed.
Yes, but it requires advance planning. New York has a five-year look-back period for Medicaid, meaning any asset transfers must be completed well before you need care. Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts are one effective strategy for protecting your home while still allowing you to live in it. These trusts must be properly structured and funded to provide the intended protection. The key is planning before you need care, not after. Once you’re in a nursing home, your options become much more limited and expensive.
A power of attorney handles financial decisions like paying bills, managing investments, and handling real estate transactions. A healthcare proxy makes medical decisions including treatment options, care facilities, and end-of-life choices. You need both documents because they serve different purposes. Your financial agent might be great with money but uncomfortable making medical decisions, while your healthcare proxy might not understand your financial situation. In New York, these are separate documents with different requirements. Both should be part of every adult’s estate plan, regardless of age or health status.