Wills & Trusts
Protect what matters most.
A clear plan gives you peace of mind and makes things easier for the people you love. We prepare wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies and trusts, and help you plan for the future.
Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family
An estate plan is not only for the wealthy. It is how you make sure the right people inherit, the right person is in charge, your children are cared for, and someone you trust can step in if you become ill or are not available.
Rakesh helps you prepare and organize key documents in place, and use trusts where they genuinely help clients and their families prepare for the future.
Wills, powers of attorney & health care proxies
The core documents every adult should consider, covering what happens to your property, and who makes decisions for you if you are unable.
Wills
A properly signed and witnessed will sets out who receives your property, who will manage your estate and who should care for minor children.
Powers of attorney
Choose someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you are unable to, using New York’s statutory short form.
Health care proxies
Appoint a health care agent to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
Living wills
Record your wishes about medical treatment, including end-of-life care, so your loved ones and doctors know what you want.
Trusts
A trust lets you decide not just who receives your assets, but when and how. Trusts are not right for everyone. Rakesh will give you an honest view of whether one makes sense for you and explain the other options in simple but understandable terms.
Revocable living trusts
Keep control of your assets during your lifetime, plan for incapacity and, for assets held in the trust, help your family avoid the probate process.
Irrevocable trusts
Used for longer-term goals such as asset protection or certain tax and long-term care planning. They involve giving up some control, so careful advice matters.
Guidance
Help for trustees in understanding and carrying out their legal duties.
How planning works
A conversation
We talk about your family, your assets and your wishes, in confidence and in simple terms.
Recommendations
We explain which documents you need, whether a trust or other options are available to you, and the associated costs.
Drafting
We prepare your documents and review them before anything is signed.
Signing & funding
We supervise the signing with the formalities New York law requires and, if you have a trust, help you transfer assets into it. A trust only controls the assets placed in it.
Keeping it current
We recommend reviewing your plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a birth or a move.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I die without a will in New York?
Your property passes under New York’s intestacy rules, which set out which relatives inherit and in what shares. That may not match your wishes. The court will also need to appoint an administrator, which can add time and cost.
What is the difference between a power of attorney and a health care proxy?
A power of attorney covers financial and legal matters. A health care proxy covers medical decisions. Most adults benefit from having both, together with a living will.
Can I name a guardian for my children?
Yes. Your will can name a guardian for minor children, which the court will take into account. It is one of the most important reasons for parents to make a will.
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
Many people only need a will and supporting documents. A trust can help if you want to avoid probate for certain assets, provide for someone over a long period, plan for a family member with special needs or keep your affairs more private. We will give you an honest view of what works best in your situation.
What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can generally be changed or cancelled by you during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust generally cannot easily be changed once it is created, but it may offer benefits that a revocable trust cannot.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review after major events: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying property or a significant change in your finances.