It is understandable that people do not wish to think about their own passing. This is one of the reasons why many Americans pass away without having created an appropriate estate plan. If one dies without a proper plan in place then their assets may be divided in a way that is not consistent with their final wishes. Worse, substantial infighting may break amongst any surviving loved ones. The first step in creating an estate plan, and avoiding such issues, is to draft a last will and testament. Retaining an experienced attorney can help to ensure that a will meets any necessary legal requirements and that the documents properly reflects your wishes. Our Long Island lawyer assists with the drafting of a last will and testament for New York residents. Our office prides itself on providing quality service and we are ready to assist you. Contact us today. We also assist those in Queens, Brooklyn, and other parts of the state.
Long Island attorney assisting New York residents with preparing a will
A last will and testament dictates how one’s assets will be divided upon their death. If one passes away without a valid will then they are considered to have died “intestate.” When this occurs, then the deceased’s assets will be divided in an order that has been pre-determined by the state. It does not matter if this pre-determined order is inconsistent with the deceased’s final wishes. By drafting a will, this outcome can be avoided.
New York has several requirements which must be met in order for a will to be valid. First, the person making the will (the “testator”) must be over the age of eighteen and they must sign the document, in writing. Second, two witnesses must also sign the will, in the presence of the testator, within thirty days of the testator’s signature. In order to avoid challenges to the will’s validity, it is often suggested that the witnesses be “disinterested” parties, meaning that they will not inherit upon the testator’s death. Upon the testator’s passing, their assets will be divided in accordance with the will’s directives. While these concepts may seem straightforward, many complications can arise. It is best to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer.
Holly Meyer is a Long Island attorney who will assist with the preparation of a will. Prior to your initial consultation, our firm will send you a list of requested information which will help us to fully understand your situation. Holly will then use the consultation to gain an understanding of your assets, your debts, and other financial issues. She will also formulate a plan which will help you meet your goals. If necessary, she will suggest additional instruments, such as a living trust, as a part of your estate plan. We will draft all necessary documents, ensure that they are properly executed, and will retain a copy for our records. Also, we will follow up with you to ensure that your will is kept up to date in the event that your circumstances change. We focus on this area of law so that you may focus on spending quality time with your family. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Long Island lawyer providing quality service to those requiring a final will
We understand that the creation of a final will can lead to several confusing issues. Not all property is required to pass through the probate process. If assets are exempt from probate then they will not need to be included in the will. This is just one of many examples as to how one may be unsure as to how they should go about creating their estate plan. Holly strives to provide the highest level of service and will take the steps necessary to make sure that you fully understand your situation. These steps include spending a lengthy period of time with you during the initial consultation, promptly returning your phone calls, quickly responding to your emails, and ensuring that she is available to answer your questions. We understand that a common complaint against attorneys is that they provide poor service and fail to communicate with their clients. Our lawyer strives to be different in this regard.
In addition to Long Island we also serve Kings County residents in Brooklyn, residents of Queens, those in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as people in other New York areas.
