Rockland County Estate Lawyer

Estate planning includes the preparation of wills and trusts, guardianships, health care proxies, living wills, powers of attorney, gifting issues including contributions to charitable organizations, and other issues relating to the distribution of estates. If you need help through the estate planning process, contact a knowledgeable Rockland County estate lawyer from the Law Office of Peter A. Hurwitz, PLLC today.

Estate Lawyer in Rockland County: Helping You Prepare for Your Future

There is nothing more important than being prepared for whatever life throws your way. One of the best things anyone can do to prepare for life’s uncertainties is to create a comprehensive estate plan. If you need an estate planning lawyer you can trust, you’re in the right place. Give us a call so we can get working on your case.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

Many people assume that estate planning is only necessary for retirees or those with significant wealth. In reality, nearly every adult can benefit from having an estate plan in place. Whether you own a home, have children, operate a business, or simply want a say in who will make important decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, estate planning can provide valuable peace of mind. You may benefit from an estate plan if you are:

• A parent of minor children who wants to designate a guardian.
• A homeowner or real estate investor.
• A business owner.
• Married, divorced, or part of a blended family.
• Caring for an aging parent or a loved one with special needs.
• Looking to protect your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications after your passing.
• Interested in making charitable gifts or preserving assets for future generations.

Ultimately, estate planning is not just about ensuring your loved ones receive assets after you pass on, but it is also about protecting yourself during your lifetime.

Our Estate Law Services

Will Drafting Services

A will is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. Through a valid will, you can specify how you would like your assets distributed after your passing, nominate an executor to administer your estate, and, if you have minor children, designate the person you would like to serve as their guardian. Without a will, many of these decisions may instead be made according to New York law.

Our office works closely with clients to draft wills that reflect their wishes while addressing their unique family circumstances, financial goals, and objectives. Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, we are here to guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Powers of Attorney in New York

Life is unpredictable, and there may come a time when you are temporarily or permanently unable to manage your own financial or legal affairs. A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf if that situation arises.

Depending on your needs, a power of attorney can authorize your chosen agent to handle matters such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, overseeing real estate transactions, or conducting other financial affairs. Having this document in place can help your loved ones avoid complications if you become incapacitated.

As part of a comprehensive estate plan, our office can prepare powers of attorney that are tailored to your specific circumstances and designed to protect both your interests and your wishes.

Trusts

Planning for the eventual distribution of your assets after death is important for everyone with responsibilities and concerns such as family, business, and charitable interests. Through the establishment of a trust, you can provide a legacy in a way that may help streamline asset transfers, avoid probate for trust assets, provide tax planning opportunities, and accomplish other estate planning goals.

A thorough discussion of your objectives and goals will be our guide for drafting estate planning documents including complex wills and trusts. Contact us to schedule a consultation regarding any type of trust that you may be considering, including:

• Living trusts
• Irrevocable trusts
• Revocable trusts
• Bypass trusts
• Trusts for minors
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Family limited partnerships
• Annuity trusts
• Life insurance trusts

Trusts enable family members and business partners to designate assets discreetly and efficiently. As the initial trustee of a revocable living trust, you generally retain control over your assets during your lifetime. A trust is a useful tool for transferring assets to an institution such as your alma mater, a religious group, or a charitable organization. A trust may also be structured to accomplish a variety of estate planning goals based on your individual circumstances.

Each person, married couple, and business owner has unique circumstances and concerns regarding asset distribution after their death. We are here to help you address them.

Probate in New York

Probate is the court proceeding that proves the validity of a will and through which an estate is administered. Through the probate process, estate assets (assets of the deceased) are collected and, after expenses and taxes are paid, distributed to heirs. Our office, with its experience in New York Surrogate’s Court, efficiently moves an estate through the probate process. We can also discuss strategies for avoiding probate when possible.

Contact a New York Estate Planning Lawyer Today

If you’re ready to begin the estate planning process or need a lawyer to guide you through probate/a dispute arising from probate, please don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Peter A. Hurwitz, PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our dedicated legal team. We’re here to fight for you, every step of the way.