Probate Law
Wills & Estate Attorney
Serving Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, North Towanda, Wheatfield, Lockport, NY & Beyond
Estate planning is the general term for the numerous ways an individual can legally prepare for death. Drafting an estate plan will give you peace of mind about the future of your property and wealth. In addition, it will help avoid any family altercations about who receives what.
A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will encounter in his or her life. If you don’t make a will before your death, state law will determine who gets your property (and it may well not be the person you would have chosen), and a judge may decide who will raise your children without input from you.
While you may be considering writing a will on your own, we would urge you to reconsider. New York State has specific requirements to deem a will valid. If your do-it-yourself will is not exactly to the standards set by the state, it will be the same as not having a will at all.
Kathleen Gaines Attorney at Law will draft your will for you, making sure every detail is correct. She is the wills and estate attorney you can depend on for experienced and dedicated legal assistance.
- Will – Written document which identifies individuals to receive property/assets from the deceased.
- Living Will – Called “a durable power of attorney” it appoints a representative to make decisions on maintaining extraordinary life-support if a person is in a coma or too ill to respond.
- Health Care Proxy – A document that identifies someone to make medical decisions for you in case you’re unable to speak for yourself.
- Trust – An entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain person or entities.
- Power of Attorney – A written document signed by a person, allowing another person to handle your financial matters.
- Life Insurance – Insurance that pays a sum of money on the death on an individual
- Guardianships – The position of being legally responsible for the care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL?
- Distribute assets to designated parties
- Name an executor to manage property after your death
- Set up trusts
- Select a guardian for a minor
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY & PROPERTY BY CALLING TODAY
In addition to creating wills, Kathleen Gaines can also assist with establishing a power of attorney, guardianships, living wills, and health care proxies. Ultimately, we can help you avoid probate by following New York States Laws before it’s too late.
The legal process after the loss of a loved one can be daunting, but we can ease your burden with sound legal advice and guidance.
Contact our Niagara Falls office to schedule an appointment for your will or estate.
We are your experienced wills and estate attorney in Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Wheatfield, Lockport, NY and surrounding Western New York areas.