ESTATE PLANNING

Preparing a smooth transition

Meticulous estate planning saves families heartaches and reduces the tax burden.

Many approach estate planning merely as a way to bequeath their property and, finished with their plans to distribute their money, believe their planning is done. But when a decedent dies, the family is left behind.

For sure, money is important, but so too is recognizing longstanding, deeply emotional love and bonds as well as jealousies and envy. Thoughtful estate planning can affirm the love and family ties. Compassion, empathy, insight and experience are key to Wasser | Russ estate planning.

Attention to taxes in Estate Planning

Federal and state gift and estate tax statutes are in constant flux and our diligent attention to the ever-changing tax laws enables us to effectively for the efficient distribution of property on death.

Contested Surrogate’s Court Proceedings

We aggressively litigate estate and gift disputes in the New York Surrogate’s Court, including:

• Disputed wills
• Accounting proceedings
• Gift contests
• Title and ownership disputes
• Discovery and turn-over proceedings
• Restraining orders
• Undue influence
• Capacity
• Heirship proceedings
• Claims arising within family businesses and family relationships

Wills and other instruments

Drawing up a will is an emotional process and often difficult decisions need to be made. Wasser | Russ works confidentially and intimately with you to assure your final requests will be honored. Additionally, and without pressure, we guide our clients on the need for and preparation of Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies and Living Wills.

Probate and estate administration

We guide and support family members with:

• the submission of Wills for probate and related Surrogate’s Court proceedings
• implementing the decedent’s estate plan, including post-mortem planning
• marshaling, liquidating and distributing estate assets

Whether your estate is modest or involves complex investments and property, proper estate planning, clear documentation and expertly executed paperwork allow your family a smooth transition. Any age is a good time to create an estate plan, which can be updated as your estate and family structure evolves.

Our clients appreciate that we address complex and emotionally charged estate matters with the highest level of expertise, sensitivity and discretion within an efficient and transparent fee structure.