Schenectady, New York Estate Planning Attorneys

Estate planning, Wills and Trusts

Estate planning is important, regardless of the size of your estate. It allows you, while you are still living, to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and at the time you want. It permits you to save as much as possible on taxes, court costs and attorneys' fees, and it affords the comfort that your loved ones can mourn your loss without being simultaneously burdened with unnecessary red tape and financial confusion. All estate plans should include, at minimum, two important estate planning instruments: a durable power of attorney and a will. The first is for managing your property during your life, in case you are ever unable to do so yourself. The second is for the management and distribution of your property after death. In addition to these planning instruments, more and more Americans today are using revocable (or "living") trusts to avoid probate and to manage their estates both during their lives and after they're gone. A complete estate plan should also include a medical directive that may encompass a number of different documents, including a health care proxy, a durable power of attorney for health care, a living will, and medical instructions. We handle a variety of estate planning matters and advise our clients so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws, while, at the same time, carrying out your wishes.