Full-service estate planning in Manhattan — wills, trusts, probate, Medicaid planning, guardianship, elder law, and more. Every plan is tailored to your family’s needs.
Estate Planning Services NYC
Estate planning looks different for every family — and the right legal strategy depends on your assets, your relationships, and your goals for the future. The Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy, P.C. offers the full spectrum of estate planning services NYC residents need, from a straightforward last will and testament to sophisticated trust structures designed to protect multi-generational wealth.
Whether you’re a young parent who needs to name guardians for your children, a business owner planning for succession, or an older New Yorker navigating Medicaid eligibility, our firm has guided clients through every scenario. We handle probate and estate administration in Surrogate’s Court, elder law and long-term care planning, special needs trusts, power of attorney, and high-net-worth tax planning. Each matter is handled personally by our attorneys — never delegated to paralegals or junior staff. Explore our practice areas below to find the service that fits your situation, then schedule a free consultation to get started.
A solid estate plan protects your family, your assets, and your wishes — no matter what happens. We build comprehensive plans that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives tailored to your circumstances.
Learn MoreA properly executed last will and testament is the foundation of any estate plan. We draft New York wills that clearly express your wishes, name guardians for minor children, and minimize the risk of disputes in Surrogate’s Court.
Learn MoreRevocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and asset protection trusts each serve distinct purposes — from avoiding probate to shielding your estate from creditors. Our attorneys identify which trust structure fits your goals and draft it to New York’s exacting standards.
Learn MoreNavigating New York Surrogate’s Court after losing a loved one is stressful and time-consuming. Our probate attorneys manage the entire process — from filing the petition to distributing assets — so executors and families can focus on what matters.
Learn MoreA durable power of attorney lets you designate someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions if you become incapacitated. New York updated its POA requirements in 2021 — we ensure your document is fully compliant and enforceable.
Learn MoreFrom long-term care planning to protecting seniors from financial exploitation, elder law touches nearly every aspect of aging with dignity. Our firm helps older New Yorkers and their families plan proactively for healthcare, housing, and asset protection.
Learn MoreWhen a loved one can no longer make decisions independently — due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline — a court-appointed guardian steps in to protect them. We guide families through New York guardianship proceedings efficiently and compassionately.
Learn MoreNursing home care in New York can exceed $150,000 per year — and Medicaid eligibility rules are strict. Our Medicaid planning attorneys help families legally restructure assets well in advance so you can qualify for benefits without sacrificing everything you’ve built.
Learn MoreLeaving assets directly to a family member with disabilities can inadvertently disqualify them from SSI and Medicaid. A properly drafted special needs trust preserves their government benefits while ensuring they can still access supplemental support from family.
Learn MoreBeing named an executor or administrator carries real legal responsibilities — from inventorying assets and notifying creditors to filing estate tax returns. Our attorneys guide fiduciaries through every obligation so the estate is settled correctly and promptly.
Learn MoreNew York imposes its own estate tax starting at $7.16 million, with a cliff that can trigger taxation on the entire estate. For high-net-worth individuals, strategic planning — through GRATs, ILITs, family limited partnerships, and charitable vehicles — can dramatically reduce what the government takes.
Learn MoreWhy Our Clients Choose Us
There is no shortage of estate planning attorneys in Manhattan — but few combine Vlad Portnoy’s depth of experience with the kind of direct, personal service that turns a stressful legal process into a manageable one. With over 20 years handling wills, trusts, probate, and elder law matters across New York, our firm has built its reputation on one thing: doing the work right the first time. Every client receives a customized plan, not a recycled document. Every question gets a straight answer, not legal jargon. And every signing ceremony is conducted personally, ensuring documents are executed exactly as New York law requires. That standard of care has earned us hundreds of five-star reviews and referrals from families who came back for their own estate planning after watching a parent or sibling work with us.
Our firm is also one of the few in New York City to offer multilingual consultations in English, Russian, and Spanish — a meaningful advantage in a city as diverse as ours. We serve clients across all five New York City boroughs with both in-person and virtual appointments available, and also maintain a second office in Hackensack, New Jersey for clients with cross-border needs. Fees are transparent and quoted up front, so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives. If you’re ready to put a proper plan in place — or simply want to understand your options — our free consultation is the right place to start.
