Fratello Law

Wills Attorney in Uniondale, NY

Protect Your Family's Future Today

Draft a legally sound will that protects your loved ones and ensures your wishes are honored.

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Estate Planning Wills Uniondale

Your Assets Go Where You Want

When your will is properly drafted, your family knows exactly what you wanted. No guessing. No court battles. No delays while everyone tries to figure out your intentions.

Your assets go where you intended. Your minor children are cared for by people you trust. Your family can focus on healing instead of fighting over money.

The right will gives you control over your legacy and gives your family clarity during their most difficult time.

Uniondale Wills Lawyer

We Know Uniondale Families

We understand Uniondale’s unique community needs. In a town where 41% are married and 36% have children under 18, we see families at every stage planning for their futures.

We serve clients in English and Spanish, reflecting our community where 40.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino. We offer home visits, hospital consultations, and nursing home meetings because life doesn’t always happen in an office.

Our approach is straightforward: listen to what you want, explain your options clearly, and draft documents that work when your family needs them most.

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Will Preparation Process Uniondale

Three Simple Steps to Protection

First, we sit down with you to understand your family situation, your assets, and your concerns. No legal jargon, no pressure—just a conversation about what matters most to you.

Next, we explain your options and help you make decisions about asset distribution, executor selection, and guardianship for minor children. We make sure you understand exactly what each choice means.

Finally, we draft your will with clear, legally sound language that reflects your wishes. You review everything, make any needed changes, and sign with proper witnesses. Your family is protected.

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Legal Will Services Uniondale

Complete Will Drafting Protection

Your will includes clear instructions for asset distribution, executor designation, and guardianship appointments for minor children. Every document meets New York State requirements and avoids common pitfalls that invalidate wills.

For Uniondale residents, this matters given our community’s median home value of $511,300 and diverse family structures. Whether you’re protecting a modest estate or significant assets, proper documentation ensures your wishes are honored.

We also coordinate with your other estate planning needs, including powers of attorney and healthcare directives, creating a comprehensive plan that covers your family’s future security.

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Do I need a will if I don't have many assets?

Yes, absolutely. Even if you don’t think you have much, you probably have more than you realize—your home, car, bank accounts, retirement savings, and personal belongings all need proper distribution. Without a will, New York State decides who gets what, and it might not match your wishes. More importantly, if you have minor children, a will is the only way to legally designate who will care for them. The cost of drafting a will is far less than the legal fees and family conflicts that arise when you don’t have one.
Most wills can be completed within 1-2 weeks once you’ve made your decisions about asset distribution and guardianship. The actual drafting process is quick—the time is usually spent helping you think through your choices. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your family situation and assets. You’ll have time to consider your options and discuss them with family members. Once you’ve decided, the legal documents can be prepared quickly. The goal is to get your will completed without rushing important decisions, but also without unnecessary delays that leave your family unprotected.
New York’s intestacy laws will determine who inherits your assets, and it might not match your wishes. If you’re married with children, your spouse gets $50,000 plus half of the remaining assets, with your children splitting the rest—even if you wanted your spouse to inherit everything. If you’re unmarried, your assets go to your children, or if no children, to your parents or siblings. The court will also appoint someone to manage your estate, which might not be who you would have chosen. For minor children, the court will appoint a guardian, which could be anyone the court deems suitable, not necessarily the person you would have wanted raising your children.
Yes, you can update your will anytime while you’re mentally competent. Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, new assets—and your will should reflect these changes. You can make small changes with a codicil (an amendment to your will) or create an entirely new will that revokes the old one. The key is making sure any changes are properly executed according to New York law. We recommend reviewing your will every few years or after major life events to ensure it still reflects your current wishes and circumstances.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your situation, but most straightforward wills are very affordable. We offer free initial consultations, so you can understand your options and costs before making any commitment. Consider that the cost of a properly drafted will is minimal compared to the potential costs of probate disputes, family conflicts, or having your estate distributed in ways you didn’t intend. During your consultation, we’ll give you a clear, upfront estimate based on your specific needs, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Yes, New York requires two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your will. The witnesses must see you sign the will and must sign it themselves in your presence and in the presence of each other. This witnessing requirement is crucial for your will to be legally valid. If the witnessing isn’t done properly, your will could be challenged or declared invalid, which defeats the entire purpose of having one. We handle all the proper execution requirements, ensuring your will meets New York’s legal standards and will hold up when your family needs it most.

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