Estate Planning FAQs

Estate Planning FAQs with a Top Long Island Estate Planning Attorney and Law Firm

Q: Why is estate planning important for Long Island residents?

For families in Long Island, NY, estate planning ensures protection from New York State probate delays, lower estate and inheritance taxes, seamless asset transfers, Medicaid eligibility strategies, and guardianship arrangements for minor children.

Q: What documents are essential in a Long Island estate plan?

A Will, Trusts, Durable Modified Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, and Living Will are typically included in a New York estate plan.

Q: What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will goes into effect after death and must go through probate court, while a trust takes effect immediately upon creation and can avoid probate, offer privacy, and control asset distribution.

Q: Do I need an estate planning attorney in Long Island?

Yes. An experienced Long Island estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally valid and customized to New York’s complex estate laws.

Q: How often should I update my estate plan?

Review after major life events, if you move to or from New York, or every 3–5 years.

Q: How can I protect my estate from long-term care costs?

Tully Law Group offers Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, spend-down strategies, and pre-crisis planning to safeguard assets while qualifying for New York Medicaid.

Q: How do I get started with an estate plan in Suffolk or Nassau County?

Schedule a consultation with Tully Law Group by calling (631) 424-2800 or visiting tullylawgroup.com.

Q: Why choose Tully Law Group?

25+ years serving Long Island families, expertise in elder law and estate law, proven Medicaid planning success, convenient offices in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, and compassionate service.

At Tully Law Group, we understand that estate planning is an essential step in protecting your assets, your wishes, and your loved ones. Serving families across Long Island, NY including Nassau County and Suffolk County, our team is here to provide the clarity and legal guidance you need.

Q. What is estate planning?

A. Estate planning is the process of organizing your legal and financial affairs to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after death or incapacitation. A comprehensive estate plan may include:

A Last Will and Testament
Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts
Health Care Proxy
Durable Modified Power of Attorney
Living Will or Advance Directive

Our estate planning attorneys at Tully Law Group can help you create a plan tailored to your unique situation and family dynamics.

Q. Why is estate planning important for Long Island residents?

A. For families in Long Island, NY, estate planning ensures:

Protection from New York State probate delays, costs and privacy issues
Lower estate and inheritance taxes
Seamless transfer of real estate and other assets
Long-term care planning and Medicaid eligibility strategies
Guardianship arrangements for minor children

Whether you’re in Suffolk County or Nassau County, planning ahead with a trusted estate planning lawyer helps preserve your legacy and minimize stress for your loved ones.

Q. What documents are essential in a Long Island estate plan?

A. A well-crafted estate plan in New York should typically include:

Will – Specifies how your assets are distributed and who will act as executor.
Trusts – Protect assets, avoid probate, and potentially reduce estate taxes.
Durable Modified Power of Attorney (POA) – Appoints someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you’re incapacitated.
Health Care Proxy – Names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Living Will – Expresses your wishes about life-sustaining treatments.

At Tully Law Group, we customize each plan to reflect your values, goals, and assets.

Q. What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A. Both are key estate planning tools, but they serve different purposes:

A will goes into effect after death and must go through New York probate court.
A trust takes effect immediately upon creation and can avoid probate, offer privacy, and provide more control over asset distribution.

In Suffolk and Nassau Counties, many families use revocable living trusts to keep their estates private and streamlined.

Q. Do I need an estate planning attorney in Long Island?

A. Yes. Working with an experienced Long Island estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally valid and customized to New York’s complex estate laws. DIY solutions often result in costly mistakes, probate disputes, or assets being tied up in court.

At Tully Law Group, we have decades of experience helping Long Island families achieve peace of mind.

Q. How often should I update my estate plan?

A. You should review and potentially update your estate plan:

After major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, remarriage, retirement, death)
If you move to or from New York State
Every 3–5 years to keep up with legal or financial changes

Residents in Nassau County and Suffolk County often update their plans to reflect changes in tax laws or Medicaid planning needs.

Q. How can I protect my estate from long-term care costs?

A. Long-term care is one of the biggest threats to a family’s savings on Long Island. Without proper planning, assets can be depleted to pay for nursing homes or home care.

At Tully Law Group, we offer Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs), spend-down strategies, and pre-crisis planning to help safeguard your estate while qualifying for New York Medicaid benefits.

Q. How do I get started with an estate plan in Suffolk or Nassau County?

A. Start by scheduling a consultation with a Long Island estate planning lawyer at Tully Law Group. We’ll walk you through your options, assess your current legal documents, and build a plan that fits your goals and protects your family.

📞 Call us today at (631) 424-2800 or visit tullylawgroup.com to request a Free consultation.