Trust Attorney in Hicksville, NY

Protect Your Family's Future With Smart Trust Planning

Skip probate, shield your assets, and secure your legacy with a trust attorney who understands Hicksville families.

Living Trust Lawyer Hicksville

Your Assets Protected, Your Family Secure

You work hard for what you have. Your home, your savings, your investments—they represent decades of effort and sacrifice. A properly structured trust means your family gets everything you intended, without the delays and costs of probate court.

Living trusts keep your affairs private. No public records, no lengthy court proceedings, no unnecessary stress for your loved ones during an already difficult time. Your assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.

Asset protection trusts shield your wealth from creditors and potential lawsuits. In today’s litigious world, that protection isn’t just smart—it’s essential for anyone who’s built something worth protecting.

Hicksville Trust Attorney Services

Local Expertise, Personal Attention, Proven Results

We’ve served Long Island families since 2012, with deep roots in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. We understand the unique challenges Hicksville residents face—from high property values to complex New York estate laws.

Attorney Cheryl Fratello brings specialized knowledge in elder law, estate planning, and trust administration. She’s accredited for Veterans benefits and completed Alzheimer’s Association training, reflecting our commitment to serving families through life’s transitions.

We offer bilingual services in Spanish and Italian, ensuring every client receives clear communication in their preferred language. Home visits, hospital consultations, and flexible scheduling accommodate clients when they need it most.

Trust Creation Process Hicksville

Simple Steps to Complete Trust Protection

Your trust planning starts with a free consultation where you discuss your goals, assets, and family situation. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest advice about what makes sense for your circumstances.

Next comes the design phase. We draft trust documents tailored to your specific needs, whether that’s a simple revocable trust or more complex asset protection strategies. You review everything before signing, with explanations in plain English.

Finally, you fund the trust by transferring assets like your home, bank accounts, and investments. We handle the paperwork and ensure everything is properly titled. Once complete, your trust is active and your assets are protected according to your wishes.

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Trust Administration Hicksville NY

Comprehensive Trust Services for Every Need

Trust services go beyond just creating documents. We provide ongoing trust administration, helping trustees understand their responsibilities and ensuring compliance with New York law.

Hicksville families often need revocable trusts for probate avoidance and privacy. These living trusts can be modified during your lifetime and provide seamless asset transfer upon death. For business owners and high-net-worth individuals, irrevocable trusts offer enhanced asset protection and tax benefits.

Special needs trusts protect disabled family members while preserving government benefits. Given Long Island’s average nursing home costs of up to $600,000, Medicaid planning trusts help families protect their homes and savings while qualifying for essential care coverage.

What's the difference between a will and a trust in New York?

A will goes through probate court, which in New York can take 6-12 months or longer and becomes public record. Your family can’t access assets until probate is complete, and court costs reduce what they inherit. A trust avoids probate entirely. Assets transfer immediately to beneficiaries without court involvement, keeping your affairs private. You maintain control during your lifetime and can modify the trust as needed. For most Hicksville families, a trust offers better protection and convenience than a will alone, especially given New York’s complex probate process and high property values on Long Island.

How much does it cost to set up a trust in Hicksville?

Trust costs vary based on complexity, but most families invest between $2,000-$5,000 for comprehensive trust planning. This includes drafting documents, funding the trust, and initial consultations. Compare this to probate costs, which typically run 3-7% of your estate value. For a $500,000 estate, probate could cost $15,000-$35,000 in fees and court costs—far more than creating a trust upfront. We provide transparent pricing during your free consultation, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees or surprises.

Can I change my trust after it's created?

Revocable trusts can be modified or revoked anytime during your lifetime. You maintain complete control over your assets and can add property, change beneficiaries, or update terms as your circumstances change. Irrevocable trusts offer less flexibility but provide stronger asset protection and tax benefits. Once established, changes require court approval or beneficiary consent, depending on the specific terms. We’ll explain which type of trust best fits your goals. Many families start with revocable trusts for flexibility, then consider irrevocable options for specific assets or tax planning needs.

What happens if I become incapacitated without a trust?

Without proper planning, your family may need to petition the court for guardianship if you become unable to manage your affairs. This process is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining during an already difficult time. Court-appointed guardians must report to the judge regularly and may make decisions your family disagrees with. The entire process becomes public record, exposing your private financial information. A trust with proper incapacity provisions allows your chosen successor trustee to manage your affairs immediately, without court involvement. Your family maintains privacy and control during your recovery or long-term care needs.

Do I need a trust if I don't have a lot of money?

Trusts aren’t just for wealthy families. If you own a home in Hicksville, have retirement accounts, or want to avoid probate delays, a trust can benefit you regardless of your net worth. Even modest estates face probate costs and delays. Your family still needs immediate access to funds for living expenses, and they deserve privacy during their grieving process. Special circumstances like minor children, disabled family members, or blended families make trusts especially valuable. The key is matching the right trust structure to your specific situation and goals.

How long does the trust creation process take?

Most trust planning takes 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to signed documents. Complex situations involving business interests or extensive assets may take longer, but we’ll provide realistic timelines upfront. The process includes reviewing your assets, drafting documents, and scheduling signing appointments. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments when needed. Funding the trust—transferring assets into the trust name—happens after signing and can take additional time depending on the types of assets involved. We coordinate with banks, title companies, and other institutions to ensure everything is properly transferred.

Local Resources

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

Trust Attorney in Hicksville, NY

Protect Your Family's Future With Smart Trust Planning