If you have been putting off estate planning because it feels complicated, you are not alone — and you have come to the right place. A single conversation with attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. can turn an overwhelming subject into a clear, manageable plan.
What a Complete NY Estate Plan Includes
New York law gives you four coordinated tools. Together they cover every situation; alone, each one leaves gaps.
| Document | What It Does | Key NY Law |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Names heirs, executor, and guardians; requires two witnesses | EPTL §3-2.1 |
| Trust(s) | Avoids probate (revocable) or protects assets & reduces estate tax (irrevocable) | EPTL Article 7 |
| Power of Attorney | Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you cannot | GOL §5-1513 |
| Health Care Proxy | Appoints a medical decision-maker — separate from the financial POA | NY Public Health Law Art. 29-C |
Why 2026 Is the Right Year to Act
New York’s estate-tax basic exclusion is $7,350,000 for 2026. Estates above the cliff threshold of $7,717,500 lose the entire exemption — taxed from dollar one. New York also adds back gifts made within three years of death. Without a coordinated plan, a modest planning gap can cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Dying without a will means intestacy under EPTL Article 4 — the state decides who inherits, not you.
Serving All of New York
Morgan Legal Group assists clients across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York. Learn more about our statewide coverage or review our estate planning overview.
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