Dedicated New York Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate Lawyer

Drafting your last will and testament
A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your will provides you with the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to somebody besides a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet decisions that might not reflect your desires. At Miriam Davidson, Esq., we can draft a valid will that ensures your intentions are honored.

Changing your will
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. We draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, numbers of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Appointment of guardianship
If you have minor children or disabled adult children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care, especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. If you have a disabled family member, you will want their financial and medical needs met. You can also make arrangements for your pets' care in your will, including naming a guardian who will take responsibility for your pets.

Creating the best estate plan
Drafting this important document requires more than filling in a form. If a court determines that your will is invalid, your desires will not be honored upon your death. We meticulously draft your will and consider all aspects of your estate plan. We review your family arrangements, financial situation and philosophical goals to guide you in making the best estate planning decisions, and draft your will accordingly.

Probate
The process of probate typically accompanies a painful emotional loss. We can ease the stress of probating the estate.

We assist executors in all steps of the complex process of probating a will in New York probate court, including:
Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously
Filing the will with the New York probate court
Closing and opening bank accounts
Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
Paying taxes and other debts
Locating beneficiaries
Hiring professionals and experts when necessary

Probate disputes
The stress of a probate dispute can compound the pain of losing a loved one. When disputes arise, our attorney's composed courtroom demeanor can calm the emotionally charged process of challenging an invalid will or defending a valid will against erroneous claims made by unhappy beneficiaries. If you choose to preserve amicable family relationships, our attorneys can skillfully mediate disputes to reach just, equitable resolutions with your loved ones. When necessary, we assertively defend your beneficiary rights in New York probate court.

Contact a thorough estate planning lawyer
For professional legal service throughout New York City, call Miriam Davidson, Esq. at 212.308.4810 or contact the firm online to schedule an appointment.