Wills Lawyers Providing Compassionate Legal Care to Clients in Astoria, NY

Many of us do everything we can to provide for our loved ones during our lives—but thoughtful planning can also help take care of them after we’re gone. A strong estate plan that includes wills, trusts, and asset protection can provide lasting support to your family and ensure that your wishes are honored.

At the center of most estate plans is a person’s Last Will and Testament. This important legal document allows you to outline your wishes for your assets and property. For example, you can leave your home to your spouse, your car to your child, or name a guardian for your young children. Your will can be revised, updated, or revoked during your lifetime to reflect your current wishes.

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP provides legal services to clients in Astoria and throughout New York City. If you would like help creating a will or establishing other parts of your estate plan, our experienced wills attorneys can guide you through the process and tailor a plan to fit your specific goals.

What Happens if You Die Without a Will?

While it’s never too early to start planning your estate, waiting too long can have serious consequences. If you pass away without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to New York’s laws of intestate succession—regardless of what you may have wanted.

Here’s how New York typically distributes assets in the absence of a will:

  • If you have a spouse but no children, your spouse inherits everything.
  • If you have children but no spouse, your children inherit everything.
  • If you have both a spouse and children, your spouse receives the first $50,000 and half the remaining estate; your children receive the rest.
  • If you have no spouse or children, your parents inherit everything.
  • If there are no parents, your siblings inherit everything.

Without a will in place, your estate must also go through the probate process, which can add stress and delay for your loved ones.

Do You Need a Wills Attorney?

While it’s legal to draft your own will, doing so without legal guidance increases the risk of mistakes that could lead to confusion or disputes later. A single error or oversight could invalidate part—or all—of your will.

Working with a wills attorney is especially important if:

  • Your estate is large or complex
  • You have beneficiaries in multiple states or countries
  • You want to set up specific conditions or distributions
  • You need to address prior marriages, stepchildren, or blended families

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP helps clients in Astoria and surrounding areas create valid, effective wills that reflect their unique needs and priorities.

What is a Living Will?

A living will—also called an advance healthcare directive—is different from a Last Will and Testament. Instead of addressing how your assets are distributed after your death, a living will outlines your medical care preferences if you become unable to speak for yourself due to illness, injury, or incapacitation.

It’s similar in function to a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare, and it can play a crucial role in making sure your healthcare choices are respected.

To better understand whether a living will is right for you—and how it fits into a broader estate plan—speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP works with clients in the Astoria area to ensure they have the documents and protections they need in place.

Contact the Attorneys of Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP for Help With Your Estate Planning Needs

While New York law does not require residents to create a will, doing so is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. A will not only directs how your property will be distributed—it can also help settle debts and minimize confusion and conflict during an already difficult time.

If you want to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your family is protected, contact Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP. Our team serves clients in Astoria and throughout New York City with estate planning services tailored to each person’s needs.

To schedule a consultation with a wills lawyer, call our office at 916-796-1858.