Westchester County Wills Lawyer

Westchester County Wills Attorney

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and future generations is to employ one of the most essential and fundamental estate planning tools known as a will. A will can safeguard your estate and ensure that your assets are properly distributed according to your wishes, even after your death. Without a valid will, the distribution of your assets is subject to probate and can lead to legal disputes. A Westchester, NY, wills lawyer can help.

Reasons for Creating a Will in Westchester

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines your assets and property, dictating how these assets will be distributed among your named heirs following your death. It allows you to name your beneficiaries, providing guidelines for the appointment of a legal guardian to care for any surviving minor children, and names an executor to manage the affairs of your estate in the event of your death.

There are several reasons why creating a will can be an essential estate planning strategy and can ensure that your estate is controlled and managed according to your wishes, even after you are gone. These reasons can include:

• Allowing you control over the distribution of your assets
• Avoiding intestacy laws, which may result in your assets being distributed to individuals you had no intention of benefiting
• Naming legal guardians for any minor children in the untimely event of your death
• Helping avoid or minimize any potential family disputes or disagreements over your estate
• Helping your executor streamline the complicated probate process so that there may be less interference from the courts, saving your beneficiaries time and money
• Reducing certain tax burdens or liabilities placed on your estate to help ensure your beneficiaries receive more of their inheritance

Common Types of Wills

When you begin the process of planning your estate, no matter your age, there are various types of wills that you might choose to consider. At Greco Law, we can help you determine which kind of will might be right for your overall estate and for the benefit and protection of your assets. The most common types of wills include:

• Last will and testament. This form of a will outlines how you wish your assets to be divided and distributed following your death. It also can name legal guardians for your children and appoint an executor to carry out your will.
• Living will. This will does not address the division or distribution of your assets, instead outlining your preferences for certain medical treatment in the event you become incapacitated and cannot communicate these desires yourself.
• Joint will. This form of a will is a document which can be executed by two separate people, typically individuals who are married. It will outline the desires of both parties on the distribution of their assets.
• Pour-over will. This will is put into place in order to transfer any remaining assets into a trust upon the death of the grantor. This ensures that their assets are consolidated into a trust in accordance with the grantor’s desires for asset distribution.

Consult With an Experienced Westchester County Wills Lawyer

No matter your age or health condition, creating a will is a smart move to protect your assets and your loved ones. Contact the team at Greco Law today to see if creating a will is right for you.