Estate Planning Built for First-Time Planners and Young Families in NYC

If you have never made a will and the words “estate plan” sound like something only the wealthy need, you are exactly who this firm is built for. Across New York City—from a walk-up in Astoria to a co-op in Brooklyn—young couples and new parents are realizing that having a baby, buying an apartment, or simply growing up means it is time to put a plan on paper. Estate planning is not about being rich. It is about deciding who raises your kids, who handles your finances, and what happens to what you have worked for.

Why Your First Plan Matters More Than You Think

When a New Yorker dies without a will, the state’s intestacy rules under EPTL Article 4 decide who inherits—and those rules may not match your family. A guardian for minor children is then chosen by a Surrogate’s Court judge rather than by you. For young families, that single fact is usually the wake-up call. A first estate plan lets you name the people you trust instead of leaving those choices to a default statute.

What a Starter Plan Usually Includes

Most first-time clients do not need anything elaborate. A solid foundation typically covers a few core documents:

• A will that names guardians for your children and directs who receives your property.
• A durable power of attorney so someone you trust can manage finances if you cannot.
• A health care proxy naming who speaks for you on medical decisions.
• A revocable living trust, when it makes sense to keep assets out of probate.

Each of these is governed by specific New York statutes, and getting the signing formalities right is what makes them enforceable.

Planning Around New York City Life

City families face situations a generic template ignores: a co-op board that must approve transfers, a condo titled in one spouse’s name, a small business or freelance income, or parents and in-laws spread across boroughs and countries. Good planning accounts for how your real assets are actually titled, not just a checklist.

Explore the Topics That Apply to You

Use the dedicated pages on this site to learn about wills, revocable living trusts, probate and how to avoid it, and powers of attorney and advance directives. There is also a page written specifically for young families with minor children.

A Note on Legal Advice

This site offers general educational information about New York estate planning and is not individualized legal advice. Every family’s situation is different, and statutes change. Before you sign anything, consult a licensed New York attorney who can review your specific circumstances.