Joseph N. Yamaner and Associates

Jan 17, 2024

When you start preparing for the future, you may find yourself thinking, what is an estate planning attorney? Do I need one? A common misperception is that estate planning is only for those who are retired or extremely wealthy, but that’s not the case; nearly everyone has an estate. If you want to make sure your property and assets are treated according to your wishes after your death, you’ll want to plan your estate.

What Does Estate Planning Include? 

Planning your estate can give you and your loved ones peace of mind by ensuring that your healthcare wishes and financial plans are followed upon your passing or in case you’re unable to take care of yourself. What’s included in your estate planning process will depend on your needs, but will typically cover at least two major areas: healthcare planning and asset management.

Healthcare and Family Planning 

Through estate planning, you can express your healthcare wishes should you become incapacitated, as well as how you want your healthcare handled as you near the end of your life. If you have dependents, an experienced attorney can help you understand your options for establishing legal guardianship should the need arise.

Property and Asset Management 

A proper estate plan will determine what should be done with your property and assets upon your death or incapacitation. That might included naming who has durable power of attorney if you can’t make your own financial decisions. It will also include the distribution of your real estate, financial assets, and personal property to your loved ones or charity via your Will and/or a trust.

What Is an Estate Planning Attorney? 

An experienced estate planning attorney can help you set goals based on your current property and assets. Your family composition, the needs of your potential beneficiaries, and the estate planning laws of New York will also be taken into consideration when forming your estate plan, as well as any major healthcare diagnoses you may have and your wishes for end-of-life care.

Your estate planning attorney will be able to advise you based on your circumstances, help you understand the legal commitments you’re making, and execute all necessary legal documents to get your estate in order. Your attorney can also help you keep your legal documents updated should your circumstances or wishes change.

Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney?

If you own your house or car, or even if you have checking and savings accounts, you have an estate, which means that you can benefit from estate planning. Even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy, having a plan for your healthcare in place could be a relief to your loved ones should they find themselves in the challenging position of making healthcare decisions for you.

Planning your end-of-life healthcare and asset management can be complicated and emotional. An experienced attorney can navigate the process with sensitivity, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected. If you need estate planning services in Rego Park, throughout Queens, or anywhere else in the New York area, contact us at Joseph N. Yamaner and Associates for a free consultation.