Taking that first step can feel overwhelming — but it does not have to be. At Morgan Legal Group, we make the essentials clear, straightforward, and actionable for first-timers across New York State, from New York City and Long Island to Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate communities.
The Four Documents Every New Yorker Needs
A complete New York estate plan coordinates four core instruments:
| Document | What It Does | Key NY Law |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Directs asset distribution after death | EPTL §3-2.1 — two witnesses, signature at end |
| Trust | Avoids probate (revocable) or shields assets (irrevocable, Medicaid 5-yr look-back) | EPTL Article 7 |
| Power of Attorney | Names a financial decision-maker | GOL §5-1513 — durable 2021 short form |
| Health Care Proxy | Names a medical decision-maker | NY Public Health Law Art. 29-C |
These four documents work together — a gap in any one leaves your family exposed.
Why 2026 Makes Planning Urgent
New York’s estate tax exclusion is $7,350,000 for deaths in 2026. Critically, a “cliff” applies at $7,717,500 (105% of the exclusion): estates above that threshold lose the entire exemption and are taxed from dollar one at rates up to 16%. Without a coordinated statewide plan, this cliff can cost families hundreds of thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
Dying without a will subjects your estate to New York intestacy rules under EPTL Article 4 — the state, not you, decides who inherits.
Book Your 30-Minute Strategy Session
Attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. will walk you through exactly which documents you need, what New York law requires, and your next steps — no jargon, no pressure.
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New York estate planning laws referenced above are drawn from the NY Senate statute database, NY Department of Taxation and Finance, and the NY State Department of Health.
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