Deciding to protect your family is the hardest part. The rest is a checklist. Morgan Legal Group — serving New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate NY — works with you to move from intention to a signed, enforceable plan under the NY Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL).
What to Prepare Before Your Appointment
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| List all assets (real estate, accounts, business interests) | Determines whether a revocable living trust or a will is the right anchor document |
| Note any beneficiaries with disabilities | May require a Supplemental Needs Trust under EPTL § 7-1.12 to preserve Medicaid/SSI |
| Estimate your gross estate value | NY’s 2026 exclusion is $7,350,000; estates above the 105% cliff ($7,717,500) lose the entire exemption — an irrevocable trust may be essential |
| Identify a trusted trustee candidate | EPTL Article 11-A imposes a prudent-investor standard and a duty to account to beneficiaries |
| Decide: privacy or public record? | A trust avoids probate and stays private; a will is filed in Surrogate’s Court and becomes public |
What Happens at Your Consultation
Attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. will map your assets to the right structure — revocable trust, irrevocable trust, SNT, or a combination — and outline trust administration obligations so there are no surprises after signing.
Schedule Your 30-Minute Strategy Call →
Have a question about your estate?
Talk it through with Russel Morgan — free 30-minute consult.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: .