Estate planning in New York rewards preparation and punishes delay. With the NY estate tax basic exclusion at $7,350,000 in 2026 — and a brutal cliff at $7,717,500 where estates above it forfeit the entire exemption — the difference between a smart trust structure and a default will can cost your heirs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
At Morgan Legal Group, attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. brings a tax-efficient, strategic lens to every engagement. We serve clients throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
We review your full picture before recommending any structure:
| Goal | Likely Vehicle | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid probate + incapacity planning | Revocable living trust | No estate-tax savings (assets remain taxable) |
| Reduce NY estate tax / asset protection | Irrevocable trust | Generally unamendable; Medicaid 5-year look-back |
| Protect a disabled beneficiary’s benefits | Special needs trust | Governed by EPTL § 7-1.12; preserves Medicaid/SSI |
| Compare trust vs. will | Trust vs. Will | Wills are public; trusts are private and skip Surrogate’s Court |
All trusts are governed by NY EPTL Article 7 and trustee fiduciary duties under EPTL Article 11-A. Learn more about ongoing obligations on our trust administration and trusts overview pages.
Schedule a Strategy Session
Book a 30-Minute Consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq. →
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