August Is Make a Will Month: What New Yorkers Should Know
August is Make a Will Month. Learn why it exists, how to prepare for estate planning, and what New York…
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Protecting Your Family. Preserving Your Legacy. Planning Your Future.
Estate Planning Attorney
in Manhattan, NYC
At the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C., we help Manhattan families protect what they’ve built and prepare for what lies ahead. Estate planning is at the heart of what we do, giving you and your loved ones clarity, protection, and control over what matters most. Every family’s situation is different, and a solid plan often needs to account for more than just the basics.
We guide clients through the full range of concerns that touch an estate, whether planning ahead, protecting a loved one, or navigating what happens when a plan was never put in place. Whatever your situation, we provide clear, legally sound guidance so your family is protected on your terms.
Recognized For Excellence
Trusted Ratings & Recognitions
Independently rated and recognized by leading legal directories and peer-review organizations.
Decades of Experience. Thousands of Families Protected
From our Midtown Manhattan office, Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy has guided more than 2,000 New York families through the estate planning process. With over two decades of focused practice in estate planning, probate, and elder law, we bring the kind of experience that only comes from years of handling some of life’s most important legal decisions.
Every case we take on, regardless of its complexity, receives the same level of attention and care. Our team stays in constant contact with clients throughout the process, ensuring no question goes unanswered and no concern is left unaddressed. When you work with us, you are never left wondering where things stand.
A Common Misconception
Not Sure If Estate Planning Is For You?
Many people assume estate planning is reserved for the wealthy or the elderly, something to think about later in life or only when things get complicated. In reality, if you have people you care about, assets you’ve worked for, or wishes you want honored, you have an estate worth planning. It does not require a large fortune or a complex family situation. It simply requires a clear intention to protect what matters most to you.
Without a plan in place, important decisions about your assets, your healthcare, and your children’s future are left to default legal processes that may not reflect your wishes at all. Courts decide who raises your children. State law determines who inherits your assets. Doctors and hospitals may have no guidance on your care preferences. Estate planning is the act of taking control of those decisions before life forces someone else to make them for you. It is one of the most straightforward things you can do for the people you love, and one of the most commonly postponed.
Who It’s For
Common Reasons People Start Estate Planning
Everyone’s situation is different, and so is every estate plan. Estate planning is not reserved for specific circumstances or life stages. The examples below simply reflect some of the most common moments that bring people to our office.
Young Parents
Having children changes everything, including what is at stake if something happens to you. An estate plan lets you name a guardian for your children, ensure they are provided for financially, and make certain that those decisions are yours, not a court’s.
Recently Married or Divorced
Major life transitions often leave your legal documents out of step with your current wishes. Whether you are building a life with a new partner or protecting your assets after a separation, an estate plan ensures your intentions are clearly reflected and legally enforceable.
Business Owners
Your business is an asset, and without a plan, its future is uncertain. Estate planning helps you protect what you have built, establish a clear succession path, and prevent your personal and business assets from becoming entangled in a lengthy legal process.
People With Aging Parents
If your parents do not have a plan in place, the responsibility of navigating their care, finances, and estate may fall on you without any guidance. Planning ahead, together, can prevent difficult decisions from becoming family conflicts or court matters.
People With a Family Member With Special Needs
Providing for a loved one with special needs requires careful legal planning. A special needs trust ensures they remain financially supported without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits they depend on.
High Net Worth Individuals
The more you have built, the more there is to protect. Thoughtful estate planning minimizes tax exposure, preserves wealth across generations, and ensures your assets are distributed exactly as you intend.
Seniors Approaching or Already in Retirement
Retirement is the moment when having a plan matters most. From healthcare directives and powers of attorney to Medicaid planning and trust structures, a comprehensive estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your family is not left to navigate the unknown.
Anyone Who Owns Property in New York
Property ownership in New York comes with specific legal considerations. Without an estate plan, your property may pass through probate, a costly and time-consuming court process. Planning ahead keeps control where it belongs, with you and your family.
Our Practice Areas
How Our Team Supports You
Estate planning touches more areas of life than most people expect. Below you will find our full range of services, organized by where they fit in your journey.
Planning Your Estate
These are the core instruments of any estate plan. Together they give you control over your assets, your healthcare decisions, and who is empowered to act on your behalf when it matters most.
Estate Planning
A comprehensive plan that protects your assets, reflects your wishes, and ensures your loved ones are provided for. The foundation of everything we do at our office in Manhattan.
Learn MoreWills
A legally sound document that defines how your assets are distributed, names guardians for your children, and ensures your intentions are carried out after you pass.
Learn MoreTrusts
Flexible legal structures that protect your assets, help you avoid probate, and ensure your wealth is transferred to the right people under the right conditions.
Learn MorePower of Attorney
A legal authorization that allows a trusted person to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.
Learn MoreFor Specific Situations
Some circumstances require a more tailored approach. These services address the legal needs that arise from particular life situations, from aging and long-term care to protecting a loved one with special needs.
Elder Law
Legal guidance for older adults and their families, covering everything from long-term care planning to protecting assets and ensuring your rights are respected as you age.
Learn MoreMedicaid Planning
Strategic planning to help you qualify for Medicaid benefits without sacrificing the assets you have spent a lifetime building, including protecting your home and savings.
Learn MoreSpecial Needs Trusts
A legal structure that ensures a loved one with a disability is financially supported for life, without affecting their eligibility for essential government benefits.
Learn MoreGuardianship
Legal representation for families seeking to establish guardianship over a minor or an adult who is unable to make decisions independently, guiding you through the court process with care.
Learn MoreWhen There Was No Plan
Losing someone is hard enough without the added burden of legal uncertainty. These services help families navigate the process of settling an estate with clarity and as little friction as possible.
Probate
When someone passes without a trust in place, their estate may need to go through probate. We guide families through the New York court process, handling the legal requirements so you can focus on what matters.
Learn MoreEstate Administration
The process of settling a loved one’s estate involves more than most people expect. We help executors and administrators manage their responsibilities efficiently, from gathering assets to distributing them to the right beneficiaries.
Learn MoreThe Essentials
What Makes an Effective Estate Plan?
An effective estate plan is more than a will. It is a coordinated set of legal documents that work together to protect your assets, reflect your wishes, and account for the unexpected. At its core, it should clearly define who receives what, who is empowered to act on your behalf, and how your healthcare decisions will be handled if you cannot make them yourself. But beyond the documents themselves, an effective plan anticipates change. Life evolves, and a plan that is not reviewed and updated as your circumstances shift can become just as problematic as having no plan at all. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that nothing is overlooked, that every document meets New York’s legal requirements, and that your plan holds up when your family needs it most.
DIY vs. Working With Us
Can’t I Just Do It Myself?
Drafting your own estate planning documents may seem straightforward, but the details that are easiest to overlook are often the ones that matter most when your family needs the plan to hold up.
On Your Own
With Law Offices of Vlad PortnoyNew York Legal Requirements
On Your Own May not meet state-specific rules around witnesses, notarization, and document formatting
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Drafted and reviewed to comply with New York law from the start
Personalization
On Your Own Limited to the questions the tool thinks to ask
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Tailored to your specific family, assets, and wishes
Tax Considerations
On Your Own Rarely addressed in DIY tools
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Structured to minimize estate and gift tax exposure
Anticipating Gaps
On Your Own You only address what you know to ask about
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy We identify what you may not have considered
Handling Complexity
On Your Own Difficult to navigate blended families, business interests, or special needs
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Addressed with the right legal structures
When Circumstances Change
On Your Own Plans are often created and forgotten
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Ongoing relationship ensures your plan stays current
Cost of Mistakes
On Your Own Errors can lead to disputes, probate, or unintended outcomes that far exceed attorney fees
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Reduced risk of costly legal challenges down the line
Time
On Your Own Requires significant research and effort on your part
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Handled by professionals so you can focus on everything else
Peace of Mind
On Your Own Uncertainty about whether it will hold up
With Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Confidence that your plan is legally sound and complete
Our Process
How Estate Planning Works with Our Firm
We make estate planning straightforward and stress-free. Here’s what to expect when you work with us.
1
Free Consultation
We begin with a complimentary consultation to understand your needs, goals, and family situation. This meeting can be held in our Manhattan office, by phone, or via video conference. We’ll review your current documents (if any) and discuss your options.
2
Customized Strategy
Based on your consultation, we develop a personalized estate plan tailored to your specific circumstances. We’ll explain each document, its purpose, and how it works together with the rest of your plan. You’ll receive a clear fee quote before any work begins.
3
Document Drafting
Our attorneys draft your estate planning documents in compliance with New York law. We prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and any other documents your plan requires. Every document is reviewed for accuracy before presentation.
4
Signing & Execution
We schedule a signing ceremony at our office where all documents are properly executed, witnessed, and notarized as required by New York law. We provide you with original documents and copies, and guide you on proper storage and asset titling.
Why Choose Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C.
Trusted Estate Planning Lawyers
in Manhattan, NYC
At Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C., estate planning isn’t just about legal documents — it’s about protecting the people you love most and ensuring your wishes are honored. Founded with a commitment to personalized legal service, our firm has earned the trust of thousands of New York families.
Unlike large corporate law firms, we take a hands-on approach. Attorney Vlad Portnoy personally works with each client to understand their goals, family dynamics, and financial circumstances. Whether you’re a young family creating your first will, a business owner establishing a trust, or an elderly parent planning for Medicaid, we provide the same level of care and attention.
- Personalized attention — every client works directly with an attorney
- Multilingual team serving diverse communities (English, Spanish, Russian)
- Convenient Manhattan location serving all five NYC boroughs
- Free initial consultations — in person, by phone, or video call
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Experienced in New York Surrogate’s Court proceedings across all counties
Areas We Serve
Serving Manhattan and All of New York City
Our Manhattan office is conveniently located just across from New York Penn Station at the corner of 34th Street and 7th Avenue, just 1 mile from the Grand Central, the Rockefeller Center, less than 2 miles from Hudson River Park, less than 1 mile away from the Empire State Building, and only 2 miles away from legendary Central Park. For those who prefer to meet remotely, we also offer virtual consultations for added convenience.
Meet the Founder
Vlad Portnoy, Esq.
Founding Attorney — Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law
Vlad Portnoy is the founder of Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C. and has dedicated his legal career to helping New York families protect their assets and plan for the future. With over 20 years of experience as an estate planning, probate, and elder law attorney in NYC, Vlad has guided thousands of clients through some of the most important legal decisions of their lives.
Vlad is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and the Estate Planning Council of New York City.
Known for his compassionate approach and meticulous attention to detail, Vlad personally handles each client’s case from initial consultation through document execution. He is fluent in English and Russian and leads a multilingual team that also serves Spanish-speaking clients.
View Full Profile
Professional Memberships
Active Member of Leading Bar Associations
Vlad Portnoy holds active membership in the bar associations and professional organizations below.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
Real reviews from our Google Business Profile — see what our clients have to say about working with our firm.
Free Downloads
Free Resources & E-Books
Get clear answers to some of the most common questions our clients have, straight from our team and available to download at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Estate Planning Questions
Every situation is different, and it is natural to have questions before taking the first step. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask about estate planning and related legal matters.
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after death. In New York, estate planning is especially important because the state has its own estate tax (with a “cliff” that can cause significant tax liability), probate can be lengthy and expensive in Surrogate’s Court, and without a will, New York’s intestacy laws — not your wishes — will determine who receives your property.
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after death and must go through probate in Surrogate’s Court. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for beneficiaries. Trusts can help you avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and provide for beneficiaries with special needs. Many comprehensive estate plans include both a will and one or more trusts.
Estate planning costs vary based on the complexity of your situation and the documents needed. A basic will may cost between $500 and $1,500, while a comprehensive estate plan with trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives may range from $2,500 to $7,500 or more. We provide transparent fee quotes during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect — no hidden costs or surprises.
Probate is the legal process of validating a will and administering an estate through New York Surrogate’s Court. The process involves filing the will, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets. In New York, probate can take 9 months to 2 years or longer, especially if the will is contested. An experienced probate attorney can help streamline the process and resolve disputes.
Medicaid planning involves structuring your assets to qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care (nursing home or home care) while protecting your savings and property. New York has a 5-year lookback period for nursing home Medicaid, meaning any gifts or transfers made within 5 years of applying can result in a penalty period. Ideally, Medicaid planning should begin at least 5 years before you anticipate needing care, but even if you need care now, crisis Medicaid planning options may still be available.
Yes. A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. Without one, if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, your family would need to go through a costly and time-consuming guardianship proceeding in court to manage your finances. A healthcare proxy is equally important, as it designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Get in Touch
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Visit our Manhattan office, call us, or fill out the form below. We respond to all inquiries within one business day.
Manhattan Office
450 7th Ave #1500, New York, NY 10123
Phone
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Family on the Other Side of the Hudson?
If your loved ones are across the river, you don’t have to navigate their planning alone. Our New Jersey office extends the same trusted guidance to families in Bergen County and beyond, making it easier to coordinate estate planning, elder law, and probate matters no matter where everyone lives. Whether you’re managing decisions together or supporting aging parents nearby, our team ensures continuity and clarity on both sides of the Hudson.
Discover Our Office in New Jersey →Helpful Articles
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