Trust Attorney in West Hills, NY

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Stop worrying about what happens to your assets when you’re gone. Get the legal protection and peace of mind you deserve.

Living Trust Creation West Hills

Skip Probate, Save Time and Money

Your family won’t spend months in court or thousands in legal fees. A properly structured trust means your assets transfer directly to your loved ones without the delays, costs, and public scrutiny of probate.

You keep complete control during your lifetime. Change beneficiaries, add assets, or modify terms whenever you want. But when you pass away, everything happens exactly as you planned—quickly, privately, and efficiently.

Your hard-earned wealth stays in your family where it belongs. No court interference, no public records, no unnecessary complications during an already difficult time.

Estate Planning Attorney West Hills

Local Expertise, Personal Attention

We understand the unique needs of West Hills families. We’ve helped Long Island residents navigate complex estate planning decisions for years, offering bilingual services and flexible scheduling that works around your life.

We specialize in elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid planning—areas that directly impact aging families dealing with significant life transitions. We provide home, hospital, and nursing home visits because we know these conversations can’t always wait.

Our approach is grounded in personalized, compassionate legal support. You’re not just another case file—you’re a neighbor who deserves clear guidance through sensitive legal processes that affect your family’s future.

Trust Administration Process West Hills

Simple Steps, Lasting Protection

First, you’ll meet with us to discuss your goals, assets, and family situation. We’ll explain your options in plain language and recommend the most suitable trust structure for your needs—whether that’s a revocable living trust, irrevocable trust, or specialized asset protection trust.

Next, we’ll draft your trust documents and help you transfer assets into the trust. This includes retitling real estate, updating bank accounts, and ensuring all your valuable assets are properly protected. The process is straightforward when you have experienced guidance.

Finally, you’ll have ongoing support as your life changes. Need to add a new grandchild as a beneficiary? Want to include recently acquired property? Your trust can be updated to reflect your current wishes while maintaining the protection you’ve established.

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Asset Protection Trusts West Hills

Comprehensive Trust Solutions

West Hills residents face unique challenges with Long Island’s high property values and nursing home costs averaging $600,000 for a three-year stay. A well-designed trust protects your home, investments, and savings from these potentially devastating expenses.

You’ll receive complete trust services including revocable living trusts for probate avoidance, irrevocable trusts for asset protection, and special needs trusts for disabled family members. Each trust is customized to your specific situation and goals.

We also handle trust administration, helping families navigate the process after a loved one passes away. This includes asset distribution, tax filings, and ensuring beneficiaries receive their inheritance according to the trust terms—all without court supervision or public disclosure.

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

Trust costs vary based on complexity, but the investment now saves your family thousands later. A typical revocable living trust costs significantly less than probate fees, which can reach 3-7% of your estate value. Consider this: probate on a $500,000 estate could cost $15,000-$35,000 in legal fees and court costs. A trust eliminates these expenses entirely. Plus, your family avoids the 6-18 month probate process that ties up assets when they need them most. The exact cost depends on your assets, family structure, and goals. During your consultation, you’ll receive a clear fee estimate with no hidden surprises.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will goes through probate court—a public, expensive, time-consuming process. A trust avoids probate entirely, transferring assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. With a will, your estate becomes public record. Anyone can see what you owned, who inherited what, and who you left out. A trust keeps your affairs completely private. Only your beneficiaries and trustee know the details. Trusts also provide disability protection. If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee immediately steps in to manage your affairs. With only a will, your family must go to court to get permission to help you—a costly, stressful process during an already difficult time.

Can I change my trust after it's created?

Yes, with a revocable living trust, you maintain complete control. You can modify beneficiaries, add or remove assets, change distribution terms, or even dissolve the trust entirely while you’re alive and mentally competent. This flexibility makes revocable trusts ideal for most families. Life changes—children are born, marriages happen, assets grow—and your trust can adapt accordingly. You’re never locked into decisions that no longer serve your family’s needs. The trust only becomes irrevocable after you pass away, ensuring your final wishes are carried out exactly as planned. Until then, you have the freedom to make changes whenever circumstances require it.

Will a trust protect my assets from nursing home costs?

A revocable living trust doesn’t protect assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements. However, properly structured irrevocable trusts can shield assets from nursing home costs if established well before you need care. The key is timing and planning. Medicaid has a five-year lookback period, so asset protection strategies must be implemented early. An experienced elder law attorney can design a comprehensive plan that protects your wealth while preserving eligibility for benefits. For Long Island families facing nursing home costs up to $200,000 annually, proper asset protection planning is essential. The strategies are complex, but the protection they provide can save your family’s financial future.

Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

Yes, you need a “pour-over” will even with a trust. This will catches any assets you forgot to transfer into the trust and directs them to the trust after your death. The will also handles important matters trusts can’t address, like naming guardians for minor children. It serves as a backup to ensure nothing falls through the cracks in your estate plan. Think of your will as insurance for your trust. While the trust handles the majority of your assets, the will ensures every detail of your estate plan is covered, providing complete protection for your family.

How long does the trust process take in West Hills?

Most trusts are completed within 2-4 weeks from your initial consultation. The timeline depends on the complexity of your assets and how quickly you can provide necessary documentation. Simple revocable living trusts move faster than complex asset protection strategies. We will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you informed throughout the process. The key is getting started. Every day without proper estate planning leaves your family vulnerable to probate costs, delays, and uncertainty. A few weeks of planning now prevent months of complications later.

Local Resources

West Hills, NY is located in Suffolk County in New York State

Trust Attorney in West Hills, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today