estate will lawyers will lawyers help people plan for their death by creating legal documents like a will and advanced directives such as a health care proxy and power of attorney. They also assist with the probate process when a loved one passes away, and they can defend against contested wills. They may also provide services in trust administration and litigation.

Estate planning is a comprehensive process that accounts for your family, assets, and future long-term care needs, as well as potential inheritance and estate taxes. A skilled attorney will help you choose the right strategies to minimize those taxes and protect your assets for your loved ones.

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During the planning stage, an estate lawyer will review your goals, family relationships, and charitable inclinations to create a plan that meets your specific needs. They will discuss asset distribution options, including trusts and wills, and will advise on which one would best meet your needs. They will also advise you on beneficiary designation for assets that pass outside your will, such as retirement and life insurance accounts, and how to structure these so they avoid or minimize the impact of probate.

When you die, your estate must go through a court-supervised process known as probate to validate your will and ensure that the assets in your estate are distributed according to your wishes. A New York trusts and estates lawyer can assist with this process, which involves drafting and filing petitions in Surrogate’s Court to administer your estate and overseeing the distribution of your assets.

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