Brooklyn Last Will And Testament Lawyer
Myth: Having a will complicates estate and asset transfers because your family will have to go through probate.
Fact: Having a will may actually make passing down assets easier by reducing family arguments and guesses about your wishes.
, in Brooklyn is a well-established firm offering estate planning services for clients in New York City and surrounding areas. Founded in 1962, we have a long-standing reputation for providing quality advice and service when drafting wills and ensuring that our clients’ wishes are expressed clearly and precisely.
Contact us for an insightful consultation on wills and other estate planning tools.
Don't wait to protect your future, schedule a consultation today and get the experienced legal guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250The Importance Of Having A Will
A will is important for adults of all ages. It allows you to choose the beneficiaries who will receive your assets and express important decisions regarding your estate. Most importantly, however, having a will can protect your family from disputes and litigation over your children; when sentimental family heirlooms are identified and given to specific beneficiaries, the potential for arguments is greatly reduced.
A living will is another important consideration. This document expresses your wishes regarding health care procedures, should you become incapacitated.
What’s The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?
While both are essential estate planning tools, wills and trusts serve different purposes in New York. A will outlines the distribution of assets and names guardians for minors. However, a will needs to go through probate, a public and sometimes lengthy court-supervised process.
In contrast, a trust takes effect immediately once funded. Because the trust owns the property, assets pass directly to beneficiaries, bypassing probate and offering greater privacy.
Key distinctions between these two instruments include:
- Timing: A will only takes effect at death, while a trust manages affairs during your lifetime.
- Privacy: Wills become public record during probate; trusts remain private contracts.
- Court iInvolvement: Wills require court validation, whereas trusts typically avoid court intervention.
Ultimately, these tools are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other. Using a will and a trust in tandem ensures all assets are handled properly and according to your wishes.
Your case deserves a law firm that puts your needs first, not its bottom line. Schedule a consultation and let us provide the results you need.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250Pitfalls Of Do-It-Yourself Wills
Some people assume that a do-it-yourself will is a sufficient document of their wishes. However, New York has specific requirements regarding drafting a valid will. Failing to follow these procedures is the same as not having a will at all.
Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC, is an established estate planning law firm in Brooklyn. We encourage clients to contact an attorney for all their estate planning needs to ensure that their wishes regarding the transfer of assets, guardianship of their children and other estate decisions are executed appropriately.
Why Hire An Attorney To Draft Your Will?
Pitfalls of do-it-yourself wills include:
- Losing the opportunity to make decisions regarding the division of your estate and guardianship of your children
When someone dies intestate (without a valid will), New York state statutes control the division of the estate among the spouse and children. Having an attorney write your will can ensure that your assets are given to those you choose. In addition, you can choose the guardian of your child.
- Creating the possibility for family disputes
Do-it-yourself wills can be easily changed and updated. As a result, overzealous relatives may take advantage of an elderly loved one to write or alter the will in their favor. We make sure our clients have the capacity to write and change their wills, thus reducing the likelihood of bitter family disputes and court battles.
- Adding expensive court costs
If you write a will without it being notarized by a lawyer, you risk forcing your family into legal battles after your death. While a do-it-yourself will may be cheaper in the short term, it could cost your family thousands of dollars in litigation later.
We are committed to investing our energy in long-lasting, fruitful relationships. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250
Tailoring Wills To Meet Your Needs
Attorney Alfred Polizzotto III has more than 20 years of experience assisting clients in drafting and reviewing wills. He, along with a qualified legal team, will assist you in meeting your estate planning goals by offering legal guidance when choosing beneficiaries and setting up tools that meet your specific needs.
For a consultation to discuss the benefits of a will and our legal services, please contact our Brooklyn office at 718-232-1250.
