Erica Bell

Probate is the process of filing and validating a deceased person’s Will in the appropriate court. It is crucial to handle the probate proceeding in accordance with the strict rules and procedures of New York law. The end result of a probate proceeding is the formal appointment of the Executor(s) and (if applicable) Trustee(s) designated in the deceased person’s Will. However, it is only the first step in handling a deceased estate.

Putting together a well thought out estate plan is one of the most important ways one can protect and provide for those we love, minimize tax burdens and express our core values in the legacies we leave. We offer a full range of tools, including Wills, Trusts, Advance Directives, Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, Revocable Trusts, Life Insurance Trusts, Charitable Trusts, Family Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations and Powers of Attorney.

We will craft Wills and Trusts to direct what happens to your property upon death, and appoint representatives of your own choosing to carry out your wishes. We will also help you update these documents periodically to account for life changes such as marriage or domestic partnership, birth or adoption of a child, divorce or dissolution of a domestic partnership, inheritance or acquisition of real estate or other major assets.

Wills are the most basic tool of estate planning. A will can be simple or complex, but the important thing is that it clearly reflects your personal priorities, wishes and values. We can help you draw up or modify existing existing Wills that meet your specific needs and circumstances. To best protect your loved ones, it is important to have a Will drawn up to your specifications. If you pass away without a will the State of New York will decide how to divide your assets.