Trusts and Estate Planning for a Secure Future

At Rupp Pfalzgraf, a New York-based law firm, we believe a comprehensive estate plan isn’t just a legal formality. It is one of the most powerful ways to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. As our Trusts and Estates team often says, “Our job is helping people sleep better at night.” That philosophy drives everything we do, from building tailored estate plans to navigating complex probate matters with clarity and compassion.

Do I Really Need Estate Planning?

Yes, you do. Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It is for anyone who wants a say in what happens next. Whether you’re concerned about who will care for your children, how your assets will be distributed, or what happens if you become incapacitated, estate planning gives you control in an otherwise uncertain world.

Our team frequently works with:

• Young families creating their first will
• Retirees seeking to minimize estate taxes
• Business owners planning for succession
• Individuals with aging parents or special needs children
• Anyone who wants to make life easier for their loved ones

We help clients answer questions like:

• Who makes decisions for me if I can’t?
• How can I protect my legacy from probate delays or tax erosion?
• What’s the best way to leave behind charitable gifts or set up education funds for grandchildren?

Whether your situation is straightforward or complex, we guide you step by step with practical legal solutions that reflect your values and goals.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Our estate planning attorneys take a holistic approach. We address the legal essentials and the “what ifs” that keep families up at night. Our goal is to create a plan that works for you and the people you love.

Advance Directives

Advance directives are essential tools that ensure your medical preferences are followed if you can’t speak for yourself. We help you create both a Health Care Proxy and Living Will to empower your chosen decision-maker and reduce stress for your family during high-stakes situations.

Powers of Attorney

A durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. We walk you through the timing, scope, and responsibilities involved, so you can make informed choices with full confidence.

Health Care Proxies and Living Wills

These two documents work together to outline your medical care preferences. A Health Care Proxy names the person who will speak on your behalf. A Living Will provides specific instructions about your treatment choices. Together, they reduce confusion and conflict during emotional times.

Last Wills and Testaments

Your Will is your legal voice after death. Without one, New York’s default laws will determine how your property is divided. That outcome may not reflect your wishes. We help you create a Will that is legally sound, easy to understand, and customized to your personal and family needs.

Trusts

Trusts offer significant advantages. They can reduce estate taxes, avoid probate, and protect assets for future generations. We advise on a wide range of trust options, including:

• Revocable Living Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Supplemental Needs Trusts
• Charitable Trusts

Business Succession Planning

For business owners, the company often represents both income and legacy. We help you build a succession plan that ensures a smooth transition for leadership, ownership, and operations. Whether passing the business to family or preparing it for sale, we bring strategy and foresight to the table.

Tax Planning

Estate and gift tax laws change frequently. Our attorneys monitor updates to protect your estate from unnecessary taxes. We collaborate with financial advisors to create strategies that preserve wealth and meet your broader financial objectives.

Charitable Giving

Philanthropy can be deeply personal and financially strategic. Whether you want to support a cause, reduce tax liability, or establish a lasting legacy, we help you integrate charitable giving into your estate plan in a way that reflects your values.

Legal Support for Executors and Estate Administration

Settling an estate after a loved one passes is difficult. Our attorneys support executors with thoughtful and efficient legal guidance. We manage probate, asset distribution, creditor notifications, tax filings, and more. Our goal is to reduce the burden on your family while ensuring legal compliance.

New York Probate and Estate Administration

Probate (with a Will)

Probate is the legal process of validating a Will and overseeing the distribution of assets. In New York, this can involve court proceedings, notices to heirs, and formal reporting. We help streamline the process and resolve any complications along the way.

Administration (without a Will)

If someone dies without a Will, their estate still needs to be handled through a court-supervised process called administration. Our team navigates the legal steps required to identify heirs, distribute property, and close the estate in accordance with New York law.