Category
Choose forms Please choose forms
Choose forms

New York Estate Planning

Estate planning is essential for organizing your assets and wishes. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating documents to manage your assets and healthcare decisions. These documents provide clarity and guidance for your loved ones. Explore our subcategories for suitable templates.

Common New York Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — outlines how your assets will be distributed after death.
  • Living Trust — manages your assets during your lifetime and after your passing.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive — specifies your healthcare wishes if you become unable to communicate.
  • Durable Power of Attorney — grants authority to manage financial matters when you’re incapacitated.

Popular forms

Find a form

This field is required

Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — both distribute assets but a trust can manage them during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Directive — one handles financial decisions, the other healthcare choices.
  • Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — both express healthcare wishes, but terminology may differ.
  • Durable vs. Non-Durable Power of Attorney — durable remains effective if you become incapacitated, non-durable does not.

  • Ensure proper signing and witnessing as required for validity.

  • Documents should be updated after significant life changes.

  • Select trusted individuals for roles like executor or agent.

  • Align all documents to avoid conflicts between titles and beneficiaries.

  • Store original documents securely to prevent loss or damage.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.

Practical tip

Many people feel uncertain about who to choose for power of attorney; consider a trusted family member or friend.

FAQs

Estate planning ensures your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes.

It's wise to review your estate plan after major life events like marriage or the birth of a child.

Without a will, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed.

Yes, you can update your will as needed to reflect changes in your life.

Glossary

  • Will - A legal document specifying asset distribution after death.
  • Trust - A fiduciary arrangement for asset management during life or after death.
  • Power of Attorney - Legal authority granted to someone to act on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive - Document outlining your medical treatment preferences.
  • Executor - Person responsible for carrying out the terms of a will.
  • Beneficiary - An individual designated to receive assets from a will or trust.
  • Incapacity - Inability to make decisions due to mental or physical limitations.
  • Living Trust - A trust created during your lifetime for asset management.
  • Advance Directive - Document allowing individuals to outline their healthcare wishes.
  • Durable Power of Attorney - Power of attorney that remains effective if you become incapacitated.

Trusted by over 3 million people of the world’s leading companies