Revocable Trust Attorneys in New York & New Jersey

Flexible Estate Planning Designed to Protect You and Your Family

A revocable trust—often referred to as a living trust—is a powerful estate planning tool that allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime while ensuring a smooth transfer to your loved ones in the future. For individuals and families in New York and New Jersey, revocable trusts are commonly used to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and simplify estate administration.

The Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy P.C. help clients create customized revocable trusts that align with their goals, family dynamics, and long-term planning needs. Call 516-518-8586 to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Revocable Trust?

A revocable trust is a legal arrangement in which you transfer assets into a trust while retaining the ability to amend, modify, or revoke the trust at any time during your lifetime. You typically serve as your own trustee, maintaining full control over trust assets, with a successor trustee designated to step in if you become incapacitated or pass away.

Because the trust is revocable, the assets remain part of your taxable estate and are not shielded from creditors or Medicaid eligibility rules. However, revocable trusts provide significant administrative and practical benefits.

Why Create a Revocable Trust in NY or NJ?

Revocable trusts are commonly used for the following purposes:

• Avoiding probate in New York and New Jersey

• Ensuring continuity of asset management during incapacity

• Maintaining privacy by keeping estate matters out of court

• Simplifying and speeding up asset distribution

• Providing clear instructions for successor trustees

For many families, a revocable trust serves as the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan.

Revocable Trust vs. Will

While a will directs how assets are distributed after death, it must go through probate. A properly funded revocable trust allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without court supervision.

Most revocable trust plans also include a “pour-over will,” which ensures that any assets not transferred into the trust during life are directed into the trust at death. Our attorneys ensure these documents work together seamlessly.

Does a Revocable Trust Avoid Probate?

Yes—assets that are properly titled in the name of a revocable trust generally avoid probate in both New York and New Jersey. This can result in faster administration, reduced legal costs, and less stress for loved ones.

However, a trust must be properly funded to be effective. Our firm guides clients through the asset transfer process to ensure the trust functions as intended.

How Our Revocable Trust Attorneys Help

The Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy P.C. assist clients with:

• Determining whether a revocable trust is appropriate

• Drafting customized revocable trust documents

• Coordinating trusts with wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives

• Selecting successor trustees and defining their authority

• Funding the trust and aligning asset ownership

We take a holistic approach to estate planning, ensuring your revocable trust integrates with your overall legal and financial strategy.

When a Revocable Trust May Not Be Enough

While revocable trusts offer flexibility and convenience, they do not provide asset protection or Medicaid planning benefits. In some cases, additional tools—such as irrevocable trusts—may be necessary to achieve long-term care or tax planning goals.

Our attorneys help clients understand when a revocable trust is sufficient and when more advanced planning is appropriate.

Why Hire a Revocable Trust Attorney?

Although revocable trusts are flexible, mistakes in drafting or funding can defeat their purpose. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that your trust complies with New York and New Jersey law and functions exactly as intended.

At the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy P.C., we focus on clear guidance, personalized planning, and long-term peace of mind for our clients.

📞 516-518-8586 — Contact the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy P.C. today to begin your revocable trust planning.