Fratello Law

Trust Attorney in Oyster Bay, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your assets deserve protection that actually works when your family needs it most.

Living Trust Creation Services

Skip Probate, Keep Control, Save Money

You’ve worked hard to build your life on Long Island. Your family home, your savings, your business – these aren’t just assets, they’re your legacy. A properly structured trust means your family won’t spend months or years in probate court. No public records. No court delays. No unnecessary legal fees eating into what you’ve built.

Your loved ones get what you intended, when you intended, exactly how you planned it. That’s the difference between hoping your wishes get followed and knowing they will.

Oyster Bay Trust Lawyers

Local Knowledge You Can Trust

We’ve been helping Long Island families navigate trust and estate planning for years. We understand the unique challenges you face here – from the high cost of local real estate to the complexities of New York trust law.

Our team knows Oyster Bay families. We’ve helped your neighbors protect their assets, plan for long-term care, and ensure their children inherit what they’ve worked so hard to build.

We’re not just your attorneys – we’re your advocates through every major life transition. That’s why families choose us and why they refer their friends and family members to us.

Trust Planning Process

Simple Steps, Lasting Protection

First, we listen. Every family situation is different, and your trust needs to reflect your specific goals and concerns.

We’ll review your assets, discuss your family dynamics, and explain your options in plain English. No legal jargon, no pressure – just clear guidance on what works right for your situation.

Once we’ve designed your trust strategy, we handle all the legal work. We’ll draft your documents, guide you through the signing process, and make sure everything is properly funded and legally sound. You’ll leave with complete peace of mind knowing your family is protected.

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Trust Types and Benefits

The Right Trust for Your Goals

Living trusts are particularly valuable for Long Island families because they bypass New York’s probate process entirely. Your family avoids court, saves money, and maintains privacy.

Irrevocable trusts offer powerful asset protection benefits. With nursing home costs on Long Island averaging $600,000 for a three-year stay, these trusts can protect your home and savings while helping you qualify for Medicaid benefits when needed.

Special needs trusts ensure disabled family members receive inheritance without losing government benefits. Asset protection trusts shield your wealth from creditors and potential lawsuits. We’ll help you choose the appropriate combination of trust types to meet your specific needs and goals.

What's the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?

A revocable trust (also called a living trust) can be changed or cancelled at any time while you’re alive. You maintain complete control over the assets, but they’re still considered yours for tax and Medicaid purposes. An irrevocable trust cannot be easily changed once created. You give up some control over the assets, but they’re no longer considered yours for Medicaid eligibility purposes. This makes irrevocable trusts powerful tools for asset protection and long-term care planning. The choice depends on your goals. If you want to avoid probate and maintain flexibility, a revocable trust works well. If you need asset protection or Medicaid planning, an irrevocable trust is usually the right option.
Trust costs vary based on complexity and your specific needs. A basic revocable trust typically costs less than a comprehensive irrevocable trust with asset protection features. However, consider the costs of NOT having a trust. Probate in New York can cost 3-5% of your estate value, plus court fees and delays that can last over a year. A trust that costs a few thousand dollars can save your family tens of thousands later. We provide transparent pricing after understanding your situation. Our initial consultation is always free, so you can understand your options and costs before making any decisions.
With a revocable trust, you maintain complete control. You can buy, sell, or change anything you want. You’re typically the trustee, so you manage everything exactly as you do now. With an irrevocable trust, you do give up some control, but skilled attorneys can structure these trusts to preserve important rights. You might retain the ability to change trustees, receive income, or even live in your home. The level of control you keep depends on your goals. If asset protection is important, some control must be given up. If flexibility is more important, we can structure the trust to maintain more control while still achieving your primary objectives.
Most trusts can be completed within 2-4 weeks from our initial meeting. Simple revocable trusts often take less time, while complex irrevocable trusts with multiple components may take longer. The timeline depends on how quickly you can provide necessary financial information and make decisions about trustees and beneficiaries. We work efficiently while ensuring every detail is correct. Once your trust documents are signed, we help you transfer assets into the trust (called “funding”). This process varies depending on the types of assets you own, but we guide you through each step to ensure your trust is properly established and legally effective.
New York trusts generally remain valid if you move to another state, but different states have different laws that could affect your trust’s operation or tax treatment. If you’re planning to relocate, we can review your trust documents and advise whether any modifications are needed. Some states have more favorable trust laws, while others might create unexpected tax consequences. The key is planning ahead. If you know you’ll be moving, we can structure your trust to work effectively in multiple states. If you move unexpectedly, we can help you understand how your new state’s laws affect your existing trust and what changes, if any, might be beneficial.
Revocable trusts can be changed at any time while you’re alive and mentally competent. You can add or remove beneficiaries, change distribution terms, or even dissolve the trust entirely if your circumstances change. Irrevocable trusts are much harder to change, but it’s not impossible. New York law allows certain modifications with court approval or if all beneficiaries agree. Some irrevocable trusts include built-in flexibility through trust protectors or distribution committees. Even with irrevocable trusts, there are often ways to adapt to changing circumstances. The key is working with knowledgeable attorneys who understand both the restrictions and the possibilities for modifications when life circumstances change. Would you like me to continue bold-tracking replacements for each new town version, or should I now give you fully polished, client-ready versions without highlights?