Fratello Law

Wills Attorney in Deer Park, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Your loved ones deserve clarity, not confusion, when you’re gone. Get the legal will that actually works.

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Estate Planning Wills Deer Park

Your Assets, Your Rules, Your Peace

When you have a properly drafted will, your family knows exactly what you wanted. No guessing. No fighting. No state bureaucrats deciding who gets what.

Your children have the guardian you chose, not one a court picks. Your assets go to the people you love, in the amounts you decided. Your executor handles things the way you outlined, not according to some generic legal process.

That’s what happens when you work with an attorney who understands Long Island families. You get documents that actually protect what matters most to you.

Trusted Wills Lawyer Deer Park

We Know Long Island Families

We’ve been helping Long Island families protect their legacies for years. We understand the unique challenges you face here – from high property values to complex family dynamics.

We’re not a factory churning out generic documents. Every will we draft reflects your specific wishes and circumstances. We speak Spanish and Italian, and we’ll meet you at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re comfortable.

Your family’s future is too important for shortcuts or one-size-fits-all solutions.

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Will Preparation Process Deer Park

Simple Process, Powerful Protection

First, we listen. You tell us about your family, your assets, and your concerns. We ask the right questions to understand what really matters to you.

Then we explain your options clearly. No legal jargon, no pressure. Just honest guidance about what works right for your situation.

Finally, we draft your will with the proper legal formalities New York requires. You review everything, we make any changes you want, and then we execute it correctly. Your family is protected, and you have peace of mind.

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Comprehensive Will Services Deer Park

More Than Just Documents

Your will includes everything you need: asset distribution instructions, executor appointment, and guardian designation for minor children. We also prepare the supporting documents that make your plan complete.

In Deer Park, we see families dealing with everything from modest estates to significant Long Island property holdings. We know how to structure your will to minimize probate delays and reduce potential conflicts.

We also coordinate with your other estate planning needs – trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Everything works together to protect your family’s future.

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What happens if I die without a will in New York?

New York’s intestate laws will determine who gets your assets, and it might not match your wishes. Your spouse and children get predetermined shares based on state formulas, not your preferences. If you have minor children, a court will choose their guardian – potentially someone you wouldn’t have selected. The probate process becomes more complicated and expensive for your family. Even worse, if you have no immediate family, distant relatives you barely know could inherit everything. That’s why having a properly drafted will is essential for every adult.
The cost depends on your situation’s complexity, but it’s far less than what your family will spend if you don’t have a will. Simple wills cost less than complex estate plans with multiple beneficiaries and special provisions. We offer free initial consultations where we’ll discuss your needs and provide clear pricing. No surprises, no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why. Consider this: probate without a will can cost thousands more than having one prepared properly. It’s an investment in your family’s financial security and peace of mind.
Technically yes, but it’s risky. New York has specific legal requirements for valid wills, and small mistakes can make your entire will invalid. We’ve seen families devastated when DIY wills failed during probate. Online forms don’t account for your unique circumstances or New York’s specific laws. They can’t advise you on tax implications, asset protection strategies, or potential family conflicts. The money you save on a DIY will often costs your family thousands more in probate complications, legal fees, and delays. Professional preparation ensures your will actually works when your family needs it most.
Review your will whenever major life events occur: marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in your assets. New York law has specific rules about how these events affect existing wills. We recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, even without major changes. Tax laws evolve, family circumstances shift, and your wishes might change over time. The good news is that updating a will is usually straightforward. We can prepare a codicil for simple changes or draft a new will if more comprehensive updates are needed.
A will takes effect when you die and goes through probate court. A trust can operate during your lifetime and after death, often avoiding probate entirely. Wills are public documents once filed with the court. Trusts remain private. Wills are generally less expensive to create but may cost more in probate fees later. For many Long Island families, a will is sufficient. But if you have substantial assets, minor children, or want to avoid probate delays, a trust might be better. We’ll help you understand which option fits your situation.
Yes, New York requires two witnesses who are not beneficiaries in your will. They must watch you sign and then sign the will themselves. This is crucial – improper execution can invalidate your entire will. The witnesses don’t need to know what’s in your will, just that you’re signing it voluntarily. They should be adults who can be located later if needed during probate. We handle all the execution formalities to ensure your will meets New York’s requirements. This includes proper witnessing, signing procedures, and any additional steps needed for your specific situation.

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