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.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: why estate planning is so important.