Rochester Estate Planning and Wills Lawyer

Estate Planning and Wills Attorney in Rochester, NY

Estate planning is one of those crucial things that people sometimes put off because they think they don’t need plans in place now. However, unforeseen things do occur and time moves along quickly. The instance when you may need to enact estate plans can come up much more quickly than you might expect. If you are interested in estate planning, you should get in touch with a Rochester estate planning attorney today to get started.

The Trotto Law Firm, P.C., in Rochester, is experienced in helping their clients with their individual estate planning needs. Our staff can assist you with the drafting and execution of a will, health care proxy, power of attorney and trust. Estate planning and drafting wills are a necessary and delicate process. Our experienced and compassionate firm can help you navigate every stage of the process to ensure your wishes are followed.

Call us at 585-453-0040 to discuss your estate planning needs.

Essential Documents Your Estate Plan Should Include

No matter what stage of life you are in, everyone should have an estate plan.

This includes:

• People who have a lot of assets so their wealth can be distributed how they would want
• People who want to make sure their assets are protected from over-taxation so more money can be distributed to family members.
• Younger couples just starting out in life and having their first child to make sure the child is raised with relatives or guardians should something happen to the parents.
• Elderly people who do not have a lot of money or assets but who still want to ensure their legacy is preserved and important mementos are passed down

An estate plan often includes:

• Last will and testament. A last will and testament is a legal document that ensures your wishes regarding care of your minor children and property distribution are followed after your death. We can assist you in writing a will and ensuring your wishes are carried out.
• Power of attorney. A power of attorney allows you to appoint an agent to act in your place for any financial or legal transaction while you are living.
• Health care proxy. A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint an agent to make your medical decisions in the event you are unable to speak for yourself.
• Trusts. A trust is a legal entity that can manage your assets during your life and after your death. It allows your estate to avoid probate and unnecessary costs after your death.

Our law firm also assists clients who have lost a loved one and need help probating a will. Probate is the process of validating your loved one’s will and making sure that their wishes are executed. This process includes filing the will with the probate court, notifying heirs and creditors of relevant information, appraising your loved one’s assets, attending to their unpaid debts or taxes, and distributing their assets.

Sometimes, you might encounter complications with this process, including disputes among heirs and challenges to the will’s validity. Your Rochester estate planning attorney can help smooth over such issues.

FAQs About Rochester, NY Estate Planning and Wills Law

What Is the Average Cost for Someone to Draw Up an Estate Plan in Rochester?

The cost of estate planning in New York will vary based on the services you wish to complete. For example, estate planning can include drawing up your last will and testament, transferring some of your assets into a trust, appointing someone to make your decisions in case you become incapacitated, and more. Since the amount that you have to pay for your legal support is based on your situation, you should consult your Rochester estate planning and wills lawyer and law firm to learn more.

What Are New York’s Inheritance Laws?

If you or a loved one passes away without a will, then your assets will be subject to New York’s inheritance laws. For instance, typically, your spouse will inherit the estate. In the event that you are not married, your estate might end up with your children, parents, or siblings. Your estate planning attorney can help you better understand the line of succession for your estate if you do not have a will.

Does a Spouse Automatically Inherit the House in New York?

Your spouse does not automatically get your house if you pass away in New York. In the event that you do not have a will stipulating otherwise, they might. However, you also have the right to draw up a will before you pass in which you designate your property to another person. If you want to draw up a last will and testament, you should get in touch with an estate planning attorney.

How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate in Rochester, NY?

In order for your estate to go through probate in New York, it has to be worth at least $50,000. If you are unsure if your estate meets the requirements of probate or need help with a probate process after the loss of your loved one, you should reach out to an experienced estate planning attorney who can give you legal guidance.

Rochester Estate Planning And Wills Lawyer & Law Firm: Call Us Today

When you are selecting a lawyer to assist with your important estate plans, you should choose someone with experience and someone who is committed to client service.

Attorney Jonathan Trotto provides the client-centered service people are looking for. He tailors estate planning advice to meet individual needs and can address any questions or concerns you have about your case.

If you are interested in learning more about how our firm can help you with your estate, please call Trotto Law Firm, P.C., in New York, at 585-453-0040 or email our firm to schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.