Manhattan Estate Planning Lawyer

Smart, Strategic Planning for Manhattan Professionals, Families & Business Owners

At Yeung & Associates, PLLC, we understand that estate planning in Manhattan requires thoughtful strategy, attention to detail, and an understanding of the unique financial and legal issues faced by city residents. Whether you own a condominium in Midtown, a co-op on the Upper West Side, or a small business in Chinatown, having a comprehensive estate plan ensures that your wishes are respected and your assets are preserved for the people you care about most.

Our Manhattan estate planning lawyers provide clear, practical guidance to help you prepare for the future so you can focus on living well today.

What an Estate Plan Does and Why It Matters

Estate planning is about much more than distributing property after death. It’s about control, protection, and peace of mind.

A strong estate plan allows you to:

Decide who inherits your property and in what proportions
Choose who will make decisions if you become incapacitated
Minimize taxes, probate delays, and disputes
Protect loved ones who may need special care or oversight
Coordinate your estate with business and real estate interests

Without a plan, New York’s intestacy laws determine who receives your assets, and that might not match your intentions.

Tailored Estate Planning Services in Manhattan

Every estate plan at Yeung & Associates, PLLC, is built around your goals, values, and financial picture. We take the time to understand what matters most to you before recommending the legal instruments that will best achieve your objectives. For most people living in Manhattan, the following documents are essential to include at a minimum:

Wills

A properly executed will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It can name guardians for minor children, specify charitable gifts, and prevent unnecessary court involvement.

Trusts

Trusts can be powerful tools for privacy, probate avoidance, and tax efficiency. Depending on your needs, we can create revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, or other structures designed to safeguard your assets.

Advance Directives

A health care proxy, living will, and HIPAA authorization allow you to designate who can make medical decisions for you and ensure your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated.

Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to manage financial or legal affairs if you can’t. This can prevent the need for guardianship proceedings and maintain continuity in your affairs.

Planning for Business Owners and Professionals

Many Manhattan clients own closely held businesses, professional practices, or investment properties. Business succession and asset protection planning can ensure that your business continues smoothly in the event of incapacity or death.

High-value assets are common in Manhattan, and so are complex tax issues. Our firm advises clients on tax-efficient strategies for transferring wealth, whether through gifts, trusts, or business succession planning.

We work closely with accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals to coordinate your legal documents with your overall financial plan.

Updating an Existing Estate Plan

Even the best estate plan can become outdated. Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, retirement, or the purchase of real estate, can all impact your plan. Our attorneys can review your documents to ensure they still meet your needs and reflect current New York law.

Our Process

At Yeung & Associates, PLLC, we make the process of estate planning straightforward and transparent.

Consultation – We listen to your goals, family circumstances, and financial picture.
Plan Design – We recommend the legal tools that best achieve your objectives.
Implementation – We draft and execute documents precisely in compliance with New York law.
Ongoing Support – We remain available to revise or expand your plan as your life evolves.

Estate planning isn’t a one-time transaction; it’s a long-term relationship built on trust and sound advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Manhattan

How is estate planning different in New York City?

New York’s estate laws are among the most complex in the country, with specific execution requirements and a state estate tax that affects many Manhattan residents. Working with an attorney ensures your plan complies with all local and state regulations.

Is probate always required in New York?

Not necessarily. Assets held in a trust or jointly owned with right of survivorship can pass outside of probate. However, if you only have a will, probate through the Surrogate’s Court is generally required.

What is the New York estate tax threshold?

As of 2025, estates exceeding roughly $7 million may be subject to New York estate tax. However, the threshold changes periodically, and strategic planning can help minimize or eliminate tax exposure.

Can I include digital assets in my estate plan?

Yes. Your will or trust can specify who may access online accounts, digital currency, and other electronic assets. We ensure these provisions comply with New York’s digital asset access laws.

Should unmarried partners or nontraditional families create estate plans?

Absolutely. Without formal legal recognition, unmarried partners or preferred family members have no automatic inheritance rights under New York law. Estate planning ensures they are protected and provided for.

Speak with a Manhattan Estate Planning Lawyer

You’ve worked hard to build your life in Manhattan. Make sure your legacy is protected with a plan tailored to your needs and goals. At Yeung & Associates, PLLC, our attorneys combine sophisticated legal knowledge with a client-centered approach to estate planning. We help individuals, families, and business owners achieve lasting peace of mind through careful planning and sound legal protection.