Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only the very wealthy who can benefit from estate planning law or who might want to hire an estate planning attorney. If you want to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and that your heirs and beneficiaries are looked after in the way you intended, a good estate planning lawyer will bring you peace of mind. Here at the State Bar Attorneys Directory, we list thousands of estate planning law firms across the United States - all of which have been screened and verified for your security.

Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP
767 3rd Avenue
30th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP is a boutique law firm located in the heart of New York City. Our lawyers are among the most renowned, nationally and internationally, in their areas of expertise. Getting the job done is what we do for some of the world's largest corporations; for some of the world's largest law firms; for some of the…

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Phone(212) 755-3100

Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP
767 3rd Avenue
30th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP is a boutique law firm located in the heart of New York City. Our lawyers are among the most renowned, nationally and internationally, in their areas of expertise. Getting the job done is what we do for some of the world's largest corporations; for some of the world's largest law firms; for some of the…

McGarry & Simon Estate Planning Attorney
140 E 45th St 44th Floor
New York, NY 10017

William A. Simon, Attorney at Law, has over 40 years of experience meeting the needs of people in the New York Metropolitan area for Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Estate Litigation. He considers client service to be his most important responsibility, which means not only competence in handling their matters, but also patience and care in helping them understand each…

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Phone(212) 867-1238

McGarry & Simon Estate Planning Attorney
140 E 45th St 44th Floor
New York, NY 10017

William A. Simon, Attorney at Law, has over 40 years of experience meeting the needs of people in the New York Metropolitan area for Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Estate Litigation. He considers client service to be his most important responsibility, which means not only competence in handling their matters, but also patience and care in helping them understand each…

Regina Kiperman, RK Law PC
80 Maiden Ln
#304
New York, NY 10038

We are a boutique personal planning law firm. We focus on Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Guardianship (contested and uncontested), Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Kinship Hearings, and Special Needs Planning. Our goal is to maximize efficiency and minimize cost to you. Please call us at (917) 261-4514 or visit our website for more information.

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Phone(917) 261-4514

Regina Kiperman, RK Law PC
80 Maiden Ln
#304
New York, NY 10038

We are a boutique personal planning law firm. We focus on Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Guardianship (contested and uncontested), Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Kinship Hearings, and Special Needs Planning. Our goal is to maximize efficiency and minimize cost to you. Please call us at (917) 261-4514 or visit our website for more information.

Albert Goodwin, Esq.
45 Broadway
27th Floor
New York, NY 10006

Albert Goodwin, Esq.

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Phone(212) 233-1233

Albert Goodwin, Esq.
45 Broadway
27th Floor
New York, NY 10006

Albert Goodwin, Esq.

Anthony S. Park PLLC
33 W 60th St 2nd Floor
f2
New York, NY 10023

Anthony S. Park PLLC

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Phone(212) 401-2990

Anthony S. Park PLLC
33 W 60th St 2nd Floor
f2
New York, NY 10023

Anthony S. Park PLLC

Hospice Care
502 Park Avenue
suite A
New York, NY 10022

For many people, thinking about long-term care is a topic that is often put off as long as possible. However, in doing so, they are setting themselves up for potential legal and financial problems that could hinder their ability to receive the care they or a loved one need and deserve. Because of this, it's crucial to begin long-term care…

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Phone(347) 797-6144

Hospice Care
502 Park Avenue
suite A
New York, NY 10022

For many people, thinking about long-term care is a topic that is often put off as long as possible. However, in doing so, they are setting themselves up for potential legal and financial problems that could hinder their ability to receive the care they or a loved one need and deserve. Because of this, it's crucial to begin long-term care…

Jonathan S. Berck, LLC
880 Third Avenue
9th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Estate Planning, Life Settlements, Trustee and Escrow Services, Domestic and International Business Transactions, General Business Counseling.

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Phone(212) 812-2165

Jonathan S. Berck, LLC
880 Third Avenue
9th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Estate Planning, Life Settlements, Trustee and Escrow Services, Domestic and International Business Transactions, General Business Counseling.

Law Offices of Barton P. Levine
260 Madison Avenue
17th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Law Offices of Barton P. Levine

No Reviews Yet

Phone(212) 268-1177

Law Offices of Barton P. Levine
260 Madison Avenue
17th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Law Offices of Barton P. Levine

Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C.
450 7th Avenue
Suite 1408
New York, NY 10123

Vlad Portnoy is an attorney in New York City specializing in Wills, Trusts & Estates, Elder Law (including Medicaid and Disability planning, and Guardianships). A native Russian speaker, he is certified by the New York State Court System as a Russian-speaking court translator. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(212) 920-6371

Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C.
450 7th Avenue
Suite 1408
New York, NY 10123

Vlad Portnoy is an attorney in New York City specializing in Wills, Trusts & Estates, Elder Law (including Medicaid and Disability planning, and Guardianships). A native Russian speaker, he is certified by the New York State Court System as a Russian-speaking court translator. Unclaimed: Claim this business

McGarry & Simon
140 E 45th St 44th Floor
New York, NY 10017

McGarry & Simon

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Phone(212) 867-1238

McGarry & Simon
140 E 45th St 44th Floor
New York, NY 10017

McGarry & Simon

Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC
260 Madison Avenue
16th Floor
New York, NY 10016

One of our flagship offices serving the New York Metropolitan Area, our experienced and professional team provides the highest level of estate and trust planning, elder law, estate and trust administration and litigation, guardianship, special needs planning and business planning services. Proudly meeting the legal needs of families and local businesses, we welcome you to contact us for a free… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(212) 661-2480

Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC
260 Madison Avenue
16th Floor
New York, NY 10016

One of our flagship offices serving the New York Metropolitan Area, our experienced and professional team provides the highest level of estate and trust planning, elder law, estate and trust administration and litigation, guardianship, special needs planning and business planning services. Proudly meeting the legal needs of families and local businesses, we welcome you to contact us for a free… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Why State Bar Attorneys?

StateBarAttorneys is the best law firm directory curated by a team of editors that will help you find a trusted attorney with confidence in the legal area you require. Powered by Best of the Web, all lawyers listed in this legal directory provide testimonials and reviews to ensure their understanding of their state's laws have won cases and the best possible outcome for their clients in their field of expertise.

What is Estate Planning Law?

Your estate is the legal term for your property (real estate), money, and personal belongings at death. Estate planning law is concerned with the proper and legal transfer of your estate in accordance with the law and with your wishes. 

What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

 

An estate planning lawyer will arrange first of all for your estate to be valued. This involves establishing the total value of everything including your property, your money including shares, investments, and savings, your possessions, including cars and jewelry, and any business interests you may have.

 

Having valued your estate, your estate planning attorney will work to establish your wishes on how those assets should be transferred after your death. They will facilitate all the required legal documents such as your will - including a living will where required. If you wish, they can also set up trusts to manage assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. If you have underage children, an estate planning lawyer will also handle your wishes for guardianship of your children should they be left with no surviving parent. A good estate planning attorney will also work to maximize the assets that can be passed to your beneficiaries by minimizing your tax burden. They can also help you to set up power of attorney should you lose your capacity to make decisions prior to your death, and they can assist with business succession planning too.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

 

The cost to hire the best estate planning lawyer for your needs will depend on the complexity of your estate and what exactly you are hoping to achieve.

 

If your affairs are relatively straightforward, you can use an estate planning attorney charging a flat fee for drawing up certain documents such as a will, a guardianship document, and power of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions.

 

If your affairs are more complex or your estate is of a high value, your estate planning lawyer will probably charge an hourly fee, which will typically range from $250-350 per hour. 

 

Undoubtedly skilled estate planning can be expensive in complex situations, but the money you spend on a good estate planning attorney will be worth it to have your legacy protected.

 

Tips for Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

 

Nobody likes to think about their own death, but It will save time and money if you are very clear about your wishes before you hire an estate planning attorney.

 

Before choosing a lawyer, take some time to consider exactly how you want your assets to be transferred, who your beneficiaries will be, and what other wishes you would want to see carried out after your death.

 

Once your wishes are clear in your mind, a personal recommendation is always a good way to choose an estate planning law firm. 

 

However, another good option is to use a specialist attorney directory like our State Bar Attorney Directory.

 

We list thousands of respected estate planning attorneys across the United States, and we make it easy for you to search for an estate planning law firm near you. Because you can also read reviews right here within the directory, it’s easy to narrow down the most trusted estate planning lawyers in your area.

 

It’s advisable to speak to several estate planning law firms before you make your final choice - and always get written confirmation of the expected fees and charging structure before your attorney starts work.

 

FAQ on Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

 

1 - Do I really need an estate planning attorney? Can’t I just write my will myself?

 

Yes, of course, you can if you wish. You can buy ready-made will templates to help you with this and if your affairs are very straightforward, this may be sufficient.

 

However, if you have young children or difficult family dynamics, or if you have business interests or multiple properties, you should consult an estate planning attorney at least in the first instance. They will advise you on how they could help, and you can then make an informed decision on whether or not to hire an estate planning lawyer.

 

The other problem with doing without an estate planning attorney is that people often just don’t get round to writing a will themselves, because, let’s face it, it’s not a fun activity, and one that we try to avoid thinking about.

 

If you die intestate - without a will - your property and assets will still be distributed to your next of kin, but this process will follow standard rules which may or may not match what you would have 

 

liked to see happen. By hiring an estate planning attorney now, you can have peace of mind for the future.

 

2 - What is power of attorney and why do I need to set it up?

 

Power of attorney is a complex area of law, but setting up power of attorney can bring great peace of mind and it is often part of the estate planning process.

 

Essentially power of attorney is a legal document in which you invest someone else (the agent) with the power to make certain decisions on your behalf should you be unable to make those decisions yourself. 

 

Typically, you might grant someone you trust, often a relative, power of attorney to make financial decisions on your behalf, and/or to make medical decisions and decisions about your care, should you become incapacitated for whatever reason.

 

A good estate planning attorney will explain the various power of attorney options to you and will set them up as required. Although you don’t have to have this safeguard in place, it does bring peace of mind that should you develop advanced dementia, for example, someone you trust will be able to take care of your interests. 

 

3 - What is a Living Will and do I need one?

 

A Living Will is a document created while you are of sound mind setting out exactly what you wish to happen to you should you be medically incapacitated or nearing the end of life. For example, it may specify the circumstances under which you would or would not wish to be resuscitated and circumstances in which you would or would not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment. It can also cover issues such as tube feeding, mechanical ventilation, and organ donation.

 

A Living Will differs from power of attorney because it directly expresses your wishes, rather than delegating those decisions to your agent.

 

Setting up a living will is a profound experience and you should consult an estate planning attorney to help guide you through the process. An estate planning lawyer will also advise you on the differences between a living will and power of attorney, and which option might be best for you.

 

You do not have to create a Living Will, but doing so would relieve the pressure on your family members should the worst happen, as they would not have to guess - and potentially disagree with one another - about what you might have wanted.

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