Nassau County Will Attorney
Preparing for the Future in Suffolk County, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Westchester County
What goes into a drafting a will? How might a will be used for your assets and future heirs? A last will and testament has large implications on the future of your assets and for your loved ones. While you cannot predict the future, you can prepare for it. At Kirshblum Taber PC, we help clients draft wills that protect their property and estate, as well as care for the loved ones they’ve left behind. Whether you seek to establish the distribution of your property or name a legal guardian for any minor children, a will can help keep your future on track even when you’re gone.
Why Do Residents of Nassau County Need a Will?
Living in Nassau County, you are part of a vibrant community with unique needs and concerns. The Nassau County Surrogate's Court is a key local government entity that handles matters related to wills and estates. While we do not partner directly with the court, we are well-versed in the processes and requirements specific to our area. This local knowledge ensures that your last will and testament is compliant with all regional regulations, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
One common concern among Nassau County residents is the high cost of living and property values. Ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes can prevent potential disputes and financial strain on your heirs. Additionally, with the presence of numerous local parks and recreational areas, many residents have specific wishes regarding the preservation and use of their property. We understand these local nuances and can help you draft a will that reflects your values and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions AboutWills in Nassau County
Why is it important to have a will?
Having a will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It also helps prevent family disputes and can simplify the legal process for your loved ones.
What is the process of drafting a will?
Drafting a will involves listing your assets, deciding how they will be distributed, and appointing an executor to manage the estate. An attorney can guide you through this process to ensure your will is legally sound.
What are the legal requirements for a will in Nassau County?
A will must be in writing, signed by the person creating it (the testator), and witnessed by at least two individuals. The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will.
How often should I update my will?
It's advisable to review and update your will every few years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation.
What happens if I die without a will in Nassau County?
If you die intestate (without a will), your assets will be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your personal wishes. This can also lead to more complex and costly legal proceedings.
Can I appoint a guardian for my children in my will?
Yes, your will can specify a guardian to care for your minor children if both parents are deceased. This can provide peace of mind knowing your children will be cared for by someone you trust.
How can an attorney assist with my will?
An attorney can ensure your will meets all legal requirements, provide guidance on complex situations, and help minimize potential legal challenges after your death.
Contact Our Nassau County Wills Lawyer Today!
At Kirshblum Taber PC, we are committed to serving the Nassau County community by providing personalized and knowledgeable legal services. We understand the local landscape and the specific challenges you may face. Whether you are concerned about estate taxes, property distribution, or guardianship for minor children, we are here to help you navigate these complexities with confidence.
Schedule an initial consultation with Kirshblum Taber PC by calling (516) 908-8842 to discuss your plans for your will in more detail.
What Can a Will Do?
A will is a written legal document of what you want to happen to your property after you die. In particular, a will can:
- leave specified property to people or organizations (like charities);
- name a trusted person to manage the property you leave to your minor children;
- name a personal guardian to care for your minor children;
- name an executor to make sure the terms of your will are carried out.
Your will must be filed in the Surrogate's Court and admitted for probate before everything is distributed according to its terms. If your estate was worth less than $50,000 of personal property, then your will may instead go through the small estate (voluntary administration) procedure. However, wills are required to go through probate court (as opposed to trusts), and the duration of the process will depend on the size of your estate.
It is important to have a will, because if you die without one, your property will simply be distributed according to New York “intestacy” laws, which passes down your property to your closest relatives, beginning with your spouse and children and down to your aunts and uncles. If the court exhausts your list of relatives, the state will take your property.
Essential Steps to Legally Create a Will in New York
Anyone who is an adult (18 years or older) and of sound mind may create a will. Note that “sound mind” simply means that you know the purpose of the will you are drafting and the nature of your property. To validate a will, you must sign the document in the presence of two disinterested witnesses, who must also sign their names.
It is possible to revoke or change your will at any time you choose to do so by:
- destroying the document (such as by burning, tearing, or canceling it);
- ordering someone else to destroy the document in front of you and two other witnesses;
- making an entirely new will; or
- making a new written document that declares you are revoking your will (this must also be witnessed and signed by two witnesses).
If you only have a small change to make and do not want to have to remake a new will, you can add an amendment (called a codicil) at the end of your existing will and finalize the change with the same procedure as making your original will (declaring and signing before two witnesses).
Don’t let your future hang in the balance of uncertainty when you can make plans for it. Contact Kirshblum Taber PC today to get started on drafting your Nassau County will. Whether you have questions about how to create one, what to include in it, or how to modify an existing will, our firm can help. We also help clients navigate probate court, including wills that go through probate.
Top Advantages of Drafting a Will
Having a will in New York, or any state for that matter, offers several critical benefits that can significantly ease the lives of your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after you pass away.
Asset Distribution: A will allows you to specify how you want your assets and property to be distributed among your beneficiaries. This ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes, minimizing potential conflicts.
Guardianship for Minors: If you have minor children, a will enables you to name a guardian who will care for them in the event of your death. This provides crucial peace of mind for both you and your children.
Executor Designation: You can appoint an executor in your will, someone you trust to manage and distribute your estate. This simplifies the probate process and ensures your estate is handled efficiently.
Tax Efficiency: A will can be structured to minimize estate taxes and other fees, allowing your beneficiaries to retain a larger portion of the estate.
Avoiding Intestacy Laws: Without a will, your estate may be subject to intestacy laws, where the state decides how to distribute your assets. Creating a will ensures your wishes prevail over default legal provisions.
Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, having a will offers peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be taken care of according to your instructions.
In New York, consulting with an estate planning attorney to create a will tailored to your unique situation is highly advisable. They can provide legal expertise to ensure your will is valid, comprehensive, and reflects your true intentions.
Understanding Local Needs for Last Wills in Nassau County
Living in Nassau County, you are part of a vibrant community with unique needs and concerns. The Nassau County Surrogate's Court is a key local government entity that handles matters related to wills and estates. While we do not partner directly with the court, we are well-versed in the processes and requirements specific to our area. This local knowledge ensures that your last will and testament is compliant with all regional regulations, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
One common concern among Nassau County residents is the high cost of living and property values. Ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes can prevent potential disputes and financial strain on your heirs. Additionally, with the presence of numerous local parks and recreational areas, many residents have specific wishes regarding the preservation and use of their property. We understand these local nuances and can help you draft a will that reflects your values and priorities.
At Kirshblum Taber PC, we are committed to serving the Nassau County community by providing personalized and knowledgeable legal services. We understand the local landscape and the specific challenges you may face. Whether you are concerned about estate taxes, property distribution, or guardianship for minor children, we are here to help you navigate these complexities with confidence.
Contact Kirshblum Taber PC at (516) 908-8842 to schedule your consultation and secure your future with a well-crafted last will.
Helpful Resources
Contact Kirshblum Taber PC for Your Will Drafting Needs for more information today.
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“David and Orly are the definition of a DREAM TEAM!!”
Dedicated and Experienced Legal Professionals
Our lawyers serving Nassau County bring a unique background of experience. Attorney David A. Kirshblum, Esq. is a retired judge who has spent over 24 years on the family court bench, including presiding over cases involving Sean “Puffy” Combs, Al Pacino, and Mick Jagger.
He has also written decisions that have been affirmed by the NYS Appellate Division. Having been on the judicial side of the law, Attorney Kirshblum has a unique perspective that can prove advantageous to strategizing against the other side.
Further, while Attorney Kirshblum handles the family law side, Attorney Orly Taber, Esq. has significant experience with estate planning and helps clients, particularly the elderly, with estate matters and ex-spouse property disputes.
She is an energetic and client-focused lawyer who helps build estate plans that safeguard your personal and material interests.
Both Nassau County lawyers at Kirshblum Taber PC are experienced and professional advocates who treat their clients with respect.
Schedule an initial consultation with our attorneys by calling (516) 908-8842 today to get started on your case.
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Speak To An Attorney Today About Your Legal Matter. Call 516-908-8842 Or Fill Out the Form Below.