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If you own property, have children, or want a say in how your assets are distributed, then yes. Without a plan, New York State decides for you through a process called intestacy, and the result rarely matches what families actually intend. Whether a will alone is enough or a trust makes more sense depends on what you own and what you are trying to accomplish, which is exactly what the initial consultation covers.

A will takes effect when you die and goes through probate, the court process that validates it. A trust takes effect when you create and fund it, and assets held in it generally pass outside probate. That means a trust can be faster, more private, and more useful if you want a say in how assets are managed over time. A will is still essential for naming a guardian for minor children and for catching anything not otherwise covered.

Someone organized, trustworthy, and willing to serve. Many people choose a spouse, an adult child, or a sibling. You can also name a professional or corporate trustee, which can make sense where the estate is complex or where you want to avoid putting a family member in an awkward position. We will talk through the trade-offs before you decide.

Every three to five years, and immediately after any major life change: a marriage, a divorce, a birth, a death in the family, a significant change in assets, a move to another state, or a new business. An outdated plan can quietly produce an outcome nobody intended, which is the most common problem we see.

Yes, and it requires particular care. The goal is usually to provide for a surviving spouse while still ensuring that your own children ultimately receive what you intend. Trusts are often the right tool here, because they let you set the terms rather than leaving the result to default rules.

It is not legally required in every transaction, but it is strongly advisable. New York residential contracts are binding once signed, and there is a limited window to raise objections. An attorney reviews the contract, examines title, and attends the closing, which is real protection on what is usually the largest financial transaction of a person's life.

Ideally before you sign the contract of sale. That is the point where terms can still be negotiated, including the down payment amount, the closing timeline, and what happens if financing falls through. Once the contract is signed by both sides, the terms are largely fixed.

We review the public record to confirm what is actually being sold and whether anyone else has a claim on it. That includes checking for unresolved liens, judgments, easements, boundary disputes, and open permits. The goal is to find problems before closing, when they can still be resolved or negotiated, rather than afterward.

Yes. Co-ops and condos each have their own complications, including board approval processes, offering plans, and building-specific requirements. Co-op purchases in particular involve a review of the proprietary lease and the building's financials, which is different from a standard house purchase.

We handle matters in New York and Connecticut, which is useful if you own property or are considering a purchase on either side of the border. Where the property sits determines which state's procedures apply, and we will tell you plainly at the outset where we can assist.