Your situation is your own. Whether you’re a single professional, a parent of one, or someone navigating life changes — your estate plan should reflect your priorities, not a one-size-fits-all template. Morgan Legal Group serves individuals across New York: NYC, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate.
What We’ll Build Together
A complete New York estate plan for an individual typically coordinates four instruments under one strategy:
| Document | Legal Basis | What It Does for You |
|---|---|---|
| Will | EPTL §3-2.1 | Directs your assets; requires two witnesses & testator signs at end |
| Trust | EPTL Article 7 | Avoids probate; irrevocable forms protect assets & aid Medicaid planning |
| Power of Attorney | GOL §5-1513 (2021 form, durable by default) | Names a trusted person for your finances if you cannot act |
| Health Care Proxy | NY Public Health Law Art. 29-C | Names your medical decision-maker — separate from the financial POA |
Why 2026 Is the Right Year to Act
New York’s estate tax basic exclusion is $7,350,000 for deaths in 2026. Estates that cross $7,717,500 (the 105% cliff) lose the entire exemption and are taxed from dollar one at rates up to 16%. Gifts within three years of death are added back to the taxable estate under state law — making coordinated planning essential now.
Ready to protect what you’ve built? Schedule your 30-minute consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq. — serving individuals statewide across New York.
See our New York statewide guide for regional considerations.
Have a question about your estate?
Talk it through with Russel Morgan — free 30-minute consult.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: .