American Estate Planning Series
New York Estate Planning
Clear, practical guidance on wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, health care directives, and protecting what matters most in New York.
The American Estate Planning Series provides state-specific education to help individuals and families better understand estate planning in New York. Explore the videos, resources, and next steps below.
Jump To
Use the links below to explore the sections of this Georgia Estate Planning Guide.
Start Here
What Makes New York Estate Planning Different
New York Estate Planning Videos
Estate Planning Starter Workbook
New York Contributing Attorney
Common New York Estate Planning Questions
About the American Estate Planning Series
Choose Your Next Step
Not sure where to begin? Choose the path that fits your situation.
Just Getting Started
If you're new to estate planning or want a clear overview of how it all works in New York, start here.
Learn the basics
Understand wills vs. trusts
See what most people actually need
Simple videos to help you understand how estate planning works in New York.
Ready to Put a Plan Together
If you’re ready to take the next step and want a simple way to think through your plan:
Identify your goals and priorities
Organize your assets and decisions
Work through a simple plan
A simple, step-by-step guide to help you organize your plan before meeting with an attorney.
Looking for Legal Help
If you’re ready to move forward or want guidance specific to your situation:
Speak with a New York estate planning attorney
Get advice tailored to your situation
Move forward with a clear plan
Connect with an experienced attorney and take the next step with confidence.
A Simple Path to Georgia Estate Planning
Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Most people can break the process down into a few clear steps.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Start by understanding how estate planning works in Georgia.
What a will does (and doesn’t do)
When a trust may make sense
How probate works in Georgia
Step 2: Get Organized and Make Decisions
Before creating documents, take time to think through your goals and gather key information.
Who should receive your assets
Who should make decisions if you can’t
What you own and how it’s titled
Step 3: Create and Put Your Plan in Place
Once you’re clear on your goals, you can move forward with the right documents.
Create a will or trust-based plan
Complete powers of attorney and healthcare directives
Make sure everything is properly signed and implemented
Step 4: Keep Your Plan Up to Date
Estate planning isn’t a one-time event. Your plan should evolve as your life changes.
Review your plan periodically
Update after major life events
Keep your documents aligned with your goals
Not sure where to start?
Start Here
If you're new to estate planning, these short videos will give you a clear understanding of how it all works—before you dive into New York-specific details.
Do You Really Need a Trust? A Simple Decision Framework
This video explains when a living trust may make sense and provides a simple framework for deciding whether a trust is appropriate for your situation.
What Is Estate Planning? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Estate planning is the process of deciding who makes decisions for you and what happens to your assets so your family isn’t left guessing.
What Makes New York Estate Planning Different
Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. While many core concepts are similar across the country, New York has specific laws, tax rules, and procedural requirements that can significantly affect how a plan is structured and how it works in practice. Understanding these differences—especially around probate, estate taxes, and document requirements—can help you avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions.
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In New York, probate is handled through the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the person lived. The process involves validating a will (if one exists), appointing an executor or administrator, and overseeing the administration of the estate. Procedures, timelines, and required filings can vary depending on the situation.
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New York has its own estate tax system that is separate from the federal estate tax. One of the most important features is what is often referred to as the “estate tax cliff.” If an estate exceeds a certain threshold by more than a small margin, the entire estate—not just the excess—may become subject to New York estate tax. This can create a significant and sometimes unexpected tax liability, making proper planning especially important for individuals with larger estates.
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Living trusts can be used in New York to help avoid probate for assets properly titled in the trust. However, whether a trust makes sense depends on factors such as asset structure, family dynamics, and planning goals.
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New York has specific requirements for powers of attorney and health care-related documents. These documents allow others to act on your behalf for financial or medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
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How assets are titled—and whether beneficiary designations are in place—can determine whether property passes through probate or transfers more directly. Coordinating these elements with your overall plan is an important part of New York estate planning.
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Estate planning in New York often involves more than just basic documents. Individuals with larger estates, real estate holdings, or complex family situations—such as blended families or long-term planning goals—may require more structured planning to address tax exposure, control how assets are managed, and ensure the plan works as intended over time.
Because New York-specific rules—particularly around estate tax and probate—can have a meaningful impact, many individuals and families choose to work with a qualified New York estate planning attorney when creating or updating their plan.
Want to see how this applies to your situation?
New York Estate Planning Videos
Georgia Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
Wills vs. Trusts in Georgia: What’s Right for You?
How Probate Works in Georgia (Step-by-Step)
When a Living Trust Makes Sense in Georgia
Estate Planning Starter Workbook
A simple worksheet designed to help individuals and families organize the key information needed for estate planning.
Completing the workbook can help clarify planning goals, identify important assets, and prepare for conversations with an estate planning professional.
17-page fillable PDF
Download instantly — no email or signup required
The Estate Planning Starter Workbook is designed to help individuals and families begin organizing the information commonly needed for estate planning.
Completing the workbook can help clarify planning goals, identify important assets, and prepare for conversations with an estate planning professional.
This workbook may be helpful if you:
want to begin organizing your estate planning information
are thinking about creating or updating an estate plan
want to better understand your assets and beneficiaries
plan to meet with an estate planning attorney in the future
want to organize information for your family
What the workbook includes:
Personal and family information
Asset and property overview
Beneficiary designations
Planning goals and priorities
Notes and questions for future planning discussions
Many people find it helpful to complete the workbook before meeting with an estate planning attorney or beginning the planning process.
New York Contributing Attorney
We are in the process of selecting a Georgia estate planning attorney to serve as the contributing attorney for this state.
Each state in the American Estate Planning Series is supported by one contributing attorney who helps ensure the information is accurate, practical, and aligned with that state’s laws and procedures.
What This Means for You
Content on this page is being developed and refined with Georgia-specific considerations in mind
A carefully selected attorney will be featured here once the selection process is complete
That attorney will serve as a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking guidance in Georgia
Our Approach
We take a thoughtful approach to selecting contributing attorneys.
We look for attorneys who:
Focus their practice on estate planning
Communicate clearly and effectively
Are committed to educating—not just selling
Coming Soon
A Georgia contributing attorney will be featured here, along with:
Professional background and experience
Educational video content
Information on how to connect and learn more
Common Georgia Estate Planning Questions
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It depends on your situation.
Many people in Georgia use a will as the foundation of their estate plan. Others choose a trust-based plan to help avoid probate, maintain privacy, or provide more control over how assets are managed and distributed.
The right approach depends on your goals, the type of assets you own, and your family situation.
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If you pass away without a will, Georgia law determines who receives your assets.
This process is called intestate succession. Your assets typically go to your closest relatives—such as a spouse, children, or other family members—based on a legal formula rather than your personal wishes.
This can lead to outcomes you may not have intended.
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Probate is the court process used to settle an estate.
In Georgia, probate can range from relatively simple to more involved, depending on the size and complexity of the estate and whether there are any disputes.
Assets held in a trust or with designated beneficiaries may be able to pass outside of probate.
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The timeline varies.
Some estates can be settled in a matter of months, while others may take longer—especially if court involvement is required or complications arise.
Planning ahead can help reduce delays and simplify the process for your family.
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A complete estate plan often includes:
A will or trust
A financial power of attorney
An advance healthcare directive
Beneficiary designations for certain assets
The specific documents you need depend on your goals and circumstances.
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A power of attorney allows you to name someone to handle financial matters if you are unable to do so.
Without one, your family may need to go through a court process to gain authority to act on your behalf.
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In some cases, yes.
Certain assets—such as those held in a trust or with beneficiary designations—may pass outside of probate. Other strategies may also be available depending on your situation.
Not everyone needs to avoid probate, but it’s something many people consider when planning.
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It’s a good idea to review your plan periodically and update it after major life events, such as:
Marriage or divorce
Birth of a child or grandchild
Significant changes in assets
Moving to or from Georgia
Keeping your plan current helps ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.
About the American Estate Planning Series
The American Estate Planning Series is a national platform designed to make estate planning more understandable, accessible, and practical for individuals and families across the United States.
Estate planning laws vary from state to state, but the questions people face are often the same. This platform brings together clear educational content, state-specific guidance, and experienced estate planning attorneys to help people make informed decisions with confidence.
How It Works
Each state has its own dedicated hub with:
Clear explanations of estate planning basics
State-specific insights and considerations
Educational videos and planning resources
A carefully selected contributing attorney for that state
This structure allows you to start with the fundamentals and then explore how those concepts apply in your state.
Our Approach
We focus on clarity over complexity.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, so we break it down into simple steps and practical guidance—without unnecessary jargon.
Our goal is to help you understand your options, organize your plan, and take the next step with confidence.
A Growing National Resource
The American Estate Planning Series is being built state by state, with the goal of providing consistent, high-quality guidance across all 50 states.
As each state is developed, new content, resources, and attorney partnerships are added to better serve individuals and families nationwide.
Start your planning with confidence