At Rupp Pfalzgraf, we believe a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. As our Trusts & Estates attorneys often say, “Our job is helping people sleep better at night.” That philosophy drives everything we do, from building tailored estate plans for growing families to navigating complex probate matters with clarity and compassion. Whether you are planning for the first time or revisiting documents that no longer reflect your life, our team is here to guide you through every step.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who wants a say in what happens next. Without the right documents in place, New York’s default laws, not your wishes, will determine who inherits your assets, who makes medical decisions on your behalf, and who cares for your children. A well-crafted estate plan gives you control in an otherwise uncertain world, ensuring that the people and causes you care most about are protected.

Our estate attorneys take a holistic approach, collaborating closely with your financial advisors to conserve and transfer wealth, preserve businesses and real estate, and put a solid plan in place that reflects your goals and your family’s best interests. From the essential four, a Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Living Will, to sophisticated trust structures and business succession strategies, every plan we build is customized to you. We also understand that life changes, which is why we build long-term partnerships with our clients, reviewing, updating, and adapting their plans as circumstances evolve.

When a loved one passes, we are equally prepared to help. We assist executors and families with every aspect of estate administration and probate, from court filings and asset distributions to creditor notifications and tax filings. And when disputes arise, our litigation team is ready to advocate on your behalf. Whatever stage of the process you are in, Rupp Pfalzgraf is your trusted partner for trusts and estates matters in Western New York.

We Answer Your Trusts & Estates Questions

•  Do I need a will?
• What is the difference between a will and a trust, and which do I need?
• How can I avoid probate?
• Who should I name as my Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney?
• How can I protect my assets from nursing home costs?
• What happens if I die without a will in New York?
• What are the different types of trusts available, and what are the benefits of each?
• What is business succession planning, and when should I start?
• What’s the best way to leave behind charitable gifts or set up education funds for grandchildren?
• What is a Special Needs Trust, and how does it protect a disabled family member’s benefits?
• When should I update my estate plan, and what life events require changes?
• What does an executor do?
• My parents are aging. What estate documents should they have in place?
•  What is the difference between probate and estate administration in New York?
• Whether your situation is straightforward or complex, our trusts and estates attorneys guide you step by step with practical legal solutions that reflect your values and goals.

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