New York Estate Planning Attorneys

Our team delivers a full range of estate planning and elder law services for individuals, families, and business owners in New York City and nationwide.

Wills & Testamentary Planning

We draft clear, legally sound wills that reflect your wishes, designate guardians for minor children, name executors, and distribute assets according to your intentions — reducing the risk of family disputes and costly probate complications.

Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts

From revocable living trusts that avoid probate to irrevocable trusts designed to shield assets and reduce estate tax exposure, we help clients structure trust arrangements that serve their long-term financial and family goals.

Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives

We prepare durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills to ensure your financial and medical decisions are handled by someone you trust if you become unable to act on your own behalf.

Estate Tax Planning & Asset Protection

Our attorneys develop strategic plans to minimize federal and New York State estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and preserve wealth across generations — using tools such as GRATs, family limited partnerships, charitable trusts, and lifetime gifting strategies.

Probate & Estate Administration

When a loved one passes, we guide executors and administrators through the probate process, including filing with the Surrogate's Court, marshaling assets, resolving creditor claims, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries efficiently and in compliance with New York law.

Trust Administration & Fiduciary Counsel

We advise trustees on their legal obligations, help administer ongoing trusts, and represent beneficiaries in disputes over trust accountings, distributions, and fiduciary misconduct.

Special Needs Planning

We structure supplemental needs trusts and coordinated benefit strategies to provide for loved ones with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance programs such as Medicaid and SSI.

Elder Law & Medicaid Planning

We help older clients and their families navigate Medicaid eligibility, long-term care planning, and asset preservation strategies — ensuring seniors receive the care they need while protecting family assets from catastrophic healthcare costs.

Business Succession Planning

We help business owners plan for the transfer of their companies through buy-sell agreements, family succession structures, and coordinated estate plans that align personal and business goals for a smooth ownership transition.

Charitable Giving & Philanthropic Planning

We counsel clients on charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, private foundations, and other giving strategies that accomplish philanthropic goals while providing meaningful tax benefits.

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At Pardalis & Nohavicka, we don't just draft documents — we help you build a comprehensive, coordinated plan that reflects your values, protects your loved ones, and adapts as your life evolves.

Our attorneys guide clients through every stage of the estate planning process, from initial goal-setting and document preparation to trust administration and estate settlement. We emphasize proactive planning that minimizes taxes, avoids unnecessary court involvement, and prevents family conflict.

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• Personalized, Compassionate Counsel: We take the time to understand your unique family dynamics, financial situation, and long-term goals — crafting plans that truly fit your life.

• Strategic & Tax-Minded: We align every legal tool with your broader financial picture, coordinating with your financial advisors and accountants to maximize efficiency and minimize tax exposure.

• Trusted Results: Our attorneys have successfully guided clients ranging from young families and individual professionals to high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational business owners through complex planning challenges.

• Accessible Counsel: We are a full-service New York law firm combining the reach of a big firm with the personalized attention of a boutique practice — always available when life changes require a plan update.

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What is estate planning, and why do I need it?

Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and transfer of your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It ensures your wishes are carried out, minimizes taxes and court costs, protects your loved ones, and prevents family disputes. Everyone — regardless of age or wealth — benefits from a well-crafted plan.

What documents should be in a basic estate plan?

A foundational estate plan typically includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy, and a living will (advance directive). Depending on your assets and goals, a revocable living trust may also be advisable to avoid probate and provide more detailed control over asset distribution.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect only at death and must pass through the probate process, which is a public court proceeding. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without probate, offers greater privacy, and can provide more nuanced control over when and how beneficiaries receive assets.

How much does estate planning cost in New York?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your plan. A simple will and power of attorney package may be relatively modest, while a comprehensive plan involving trusts, tax planning, and business succession strategies will involve more substantial fees. We provide transparent estimates upfront and help you understand which planning tools deliver the greatest value for your situation.

How long does it take to create an estate plan?

A straightforward plan can often be completed within a few weeks. More complex plans — involving multiple trusts, business interests, or coordinated tax strategies — may take longer. We work at your pace and prioritize efficiency to ensure your plan is in place as quickly as possible.

Does my estate plan need to be updated?

Yes. We recommend reviewing your plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, the death of a beneficiary or named fiduciary, or a move to a new state. Tax laws also change, and a plan that was optimal years ago may benefit from a refresh.

What happens if I die without a will in New York?

If you die without a will — known as dying 'intestate' — New York's intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your wishes. The court will also appoint an administrator and, if you have minor children, may need to intervene regarding their care. A will gives you control that the law otherwise does not.

How can I protect my assets from estate taxes in New York?

New York has its own estate tax with a threshold significantly lower than the federal exemption, making state-level planning especially important. Strategies include credit shelter trusts, lifetime gifting programs, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), and charitable giving arrangements. Our attorneys design plans tailored to your specific asset profile.

What should I do if a loved one passes away without an estate plan?

Contact an attorney as soon as possible. We can help identify and marshal assets, file for letters of administration with the Surrogate's Court, address creditor claims, and guide the family through the distribution process under New York's intestacy laws as smoothly as possible.

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