Wills Attorney in Plainview, NY

Your Family's Future Deserves Better Than Uncertainty

When life’s unexpected happens, a properly drafted will ensures your children, assets, and legacy are protected exactly as you intended.

Estate Planning Attorney Plainview

What Life Looks Like With Proper Planning

You sleep better knowing your family won’t face court battles over your estate. Your children will be cared for by people you trust, not strangers appointed by a judge. Your Long Island home stays in the family instead of being sold to pay nursing home bills.

No more wondering if you’ve done enough. No more family meetings where everyone argues about “what mom really wanted.” Your wishes are crystal clear, legally binding, and impossible to misinterpret.

The peace of mind extends beyond you. Your spouse knows exactly what to do. Your adult children understand their roles. Your assets transfer smoothly, privately, and according to your exact instructions.

Plainview Estate Planning Lawyers

Long Island Families Trust Our Experience

We have been serving Nassau County families for over a decade, understanding the unique challenges Long Island residents face. We know how expensive nursing home care is here—up to $600,000 for an average three-year stay.

We’ve helped hundreds of Plainview families protect their homes and assets while ensuring their children’s futures are secure. Our bilingual attorneys speak Spanish and Italian, reflecting the diverse communities we serve throughout Nassau County.

Unlike larger firms that treat you like a number, we take time to understand your family’s specific needs. We offer home visits because we know life doesn’t always allow for office appointments, especially when dealing with aging parents or health challenges.

Wills Lawyer Process Plainview

How We Draft Your Will Step-by-Step

First, we meet with you—in our office, your home, or virtually—to understand your family situation, assets, and concerns. This consultation is always free, and we explain everything in plain English, never legal jargon.

Next, we draft your will and related documents like power of attorney and health care proxy. We review every detail with you, making sure you understand each provision and how it protects your family.

Finally, we properly execute your will with the required witnesses and notarization. We store copies securely and provide you with originals, plus clear instructions for your family on what to do when the time comes.

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Last Will Testament Plainview

What's Included in Your Estate Plan

Your last will and testament covers guardian designation for minor children, asset distribution to beneficiaries, and executor appointment. We also prepare essential companion documents like durable power of attorney and health care proxy.

For Long Island families, we often recommend asset protection strategies. Many Plainview residents own valuable homes but have limited liquid assets. We help structure your estate to protect your home from potential nursing home costs while ensuring Medicaid eligibility if needed.

We also address unique Long Island considerations like high property taxes, multi-generational households, and the challenge of aging in place. Our wills reflect these local realities, not generic templates that miss important details.

How much does it cost to have a will drafted in Plainview?

Will preparation costs vary based on your estate’s complexity, but most straightforward wills range from $800 to $2,500. We provide upfront pricing during your free consultation, so you’ll never receive surprise bills. The cost is minimal compared to what your family could face without proper planning. Probate court proceedings can cost 10% of your estate and take months or years to resolve. A properly drafted will helps your family avoid these expenses entirely. We also offer payment plans for families who need them. Estate planning shouldn’t be delayed because of cost concerns—the risks of waiting far outweigh the investment in proper planning.

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

New York’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets, and the results often surprise families. Your spouse doesn’t automatically inherit everything—children get portions too, potentially forcing the sale of your home to divide assets. The court appoints an administrator for your estate, which may not be the person you would have chosen. This process is public, expensive, and time-consuming. Your family has no privacy during an already difficult time. Most concerning for parents: the court appoints guardians for minor children. These may be relatives you wouldn’t choose, or even strangers if no family members are available. A will ensures your children go to people you trust.

Can I write my own will or use online templates?

New York allows handwritten wills, but they’re risky. Courts frequently reject them due to unclear language, missing legal requirements, or questions about authenticity. Online templates miss state-specific requirements and don’t address your unique family situation. Long Island families face particular challenges like high property values, complex family structures, and potential nursing home costs. Generic templates don’t address these local realities or provide proper asset protection strategies. A properly drafted will costs less than most families spend on a vacation, but the protection it provides lasts generations. The peace of mind knowing your family is truly protected is worth far more than the small savings from do-it-yourself options.

How often should I update my will?

Review your will every three to five years, or whenever major life changes occur. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moves to different states all require will updates. Long Island’s changing property values also matter. If your home’s value has increased significantly, your estate planning strategy may need adjustment to address potential tax implications or Medicaid planning needs. We recommend annual check-ins with clients to review any changes in their lives or New York estate laws. These brief consultations ensure your will remains current and effective, protecting your family as circumstances evolve.

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

A will takes effect when you die and goes through probate court. A trust can be active during your lifetime and often avoids probate entirely. Trusts provide more privacy and can offer better asset protection, especially for Long Island families concerned about nursing home costs. For most Plainview families, a will combined with beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance provides adequate protection. However, if you own significant assets, have complex family situations, or want maximum privacy, a trust might be beneficial. We help you understand which option best fits your family’s needs and budget. Sometimes a simple will is perfect; other times, a trust provides crucial additional protection. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances, not one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Do I need a lawyer if my estate is small?

Even modest estates benefit from proper legal planning. New York’s probate process applies regardless of estate size, and family disputes can arise over any amount of assets. A properly drafted will prevents these problems. If you have minor children, a will is essential regardless of asset value. The guardian designation alone justifies the cost—ensuring your children go to people you trust rather than court-appointed strangers. Many Long Island families underestimate their estate’s value. Your home, retirement accounts, life insurance, and personal property often total more than expected. Plus, proper planning can help preserve these assets for your family rather than losing them to unnecessary costs and taxes.

Local Resources

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

Wills Attorney in Plainview, NY

Your Family's Future Deserves Better Than Uncertainty