What are the four must-have documents?

Share This Post

Four Must-Have Estate Planning Documents in New York

Estate planning is a critical process that ensures your assets are protected, and your wishes are honored in the event of your incapacity or passing. Under New York State law, everyone should have four essential estate planning documents in place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore each of these documents, their importance, and how Morgan Legal Group can assist you in creating them to safeguard your future.

1. Last Will and Testament

Your Last Will and Testament, commonly known as a will, is a foundational document in estate planning. It allows you to:

  • Specify how your assets should be distributed among your beneficiaries.
  • Designate guardians for your minor children if applicable.
  • Name an executor to manage the distribution of your estate.
  • Express your funeral and burial preferences.

Without a valid will, New York’s intestate succession laws will dictate how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

2. Power of Attorney (POA)

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone you trust (your agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Types of POAs include:

  • General Power of Attorney: Grant’s broad powers to your agent.
  • Limited or Specific Power of Attorney: Grant’s specific powers for a limited purpose or period.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: Remains valid even if you become incapacitated.

Having a POA ensures that your financial affairs continue to be managed without the need for court intervention in case of your incapacity.

3. Healthcare Proxy

A Healthcare Proxy allows you to designate an individual (your healthcare agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate or make decisions about your healthcare. Your agent will ensure your medical wishes are respected, including treatment, procedures, and end-of-life care choices.

4. Living Will

A Living Will, also known as an Advance Healthcare Directive, outlines your preferences regarding life-sustaining medical treatments if you are in a terminal condition and unable to communicate. It covers issues like the use of life support, resuscitation, and organ donation, providing clear guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones.

Conclusion

These four estate planning documents are essential for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your healthcare decisions are respected. Morgan Legal Group specializes in estate planning under New York State law and can assist you in creating these documents to secure your future.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a consultation and start protecting your legacy and healthcare preferences.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The content of this blog may not reflect the most current legal developments. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this blog or contacting Morgan Legal Group PLLP.

Got a Problem? Consult With Us

For Assistance, Please Give us a call or schedule a virtual appointment.
Estate Planning New York Lawyer Estate Planning Miami Lawyer Estate Planning Lawyer NYC Miami Lawyer Near Me Estate Planning Lawyer Florida Near Me Dental Near Me Lawyers Probate Lawyer Hallandale Beach Probate Lawyer Near Miami Estate Planning Lawyer Near Miami Estate Planning Attorney Near Miami Probate Attorney Near Miami Best Probate Attorney Miami Best Probate Lawyer Miami Best Estate Planning Lawyer Miami Best Estate Planning Attorney Miami Best Estate Planning Attorney Hollywood Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Palm Beach Florida Estate Planning Attorney Palm Beach Immigration Miami Lawyer Estate Planning lawyer Miami Local Lawyer Florida Florida Attorneys Near Me Probate Key West Florida Estate Planning Key West Florida Will and Trust Key West Florida local lawyer local lawyer mag local lawyer magazine local lawyer local lawyer elite attorney magelite attorney magazineestate planning miami lawyer estate planning miami lawyers estate planning miami attorney probate miami attorney probate miami lawyers near me lawyer miami probate lawyer miami estate lawyer miami estate planning lawyer boca ratonestate planning lawyers palm beach estate planning lawyers boca raton estate planning attorney boca raton estate planning attorneys boca raton estate planning attorneys palm beach estate planning attorney palm beach estate planning attorney west palm beach estate planning attorneys west palm beach west palm beach estate planning attorneys west palm beach estate planning attorney west palm beach estate planning lawyers boca raton estate planning lawyers boca raton probate lawyers west palm beach probate lawyer west palm beach probate lawyers palm beach probate lawyersboca raton probate lawyers probate lawyers boca raton probate lawyer boca raton Probate Lawyer Probate Lawyer Probate Lawyer Probate Lawyer Probate Lawyer Probate Lawyer best probate attorney Florida best probate attorneys Florida best probate lawyer Florida best probate lawyers palm beach estate lawyer palm beach estate planning lawyer fort lauderdale estate planning lawyer in miami estate planning north miami Florida estate planning attorneys florida lawyers near mefort lauderdale local attorneys miami estate planning law miami estate planning lawyers miami lawyer near me probate miami lawyer probate palm beach Florida trust and estate palm beach Miami estate law Estate lawyers in Miami