Trusts are powerful legal tools that allow you to manage assets during your lifetime, plan for incapacity, and control how property is distributed after death. When structured properly, trusts can help reduce court involvement, provide privacy, and address complex family or financial circumstances.
At Seligson Law, we help individuals and families create trust arrangements that align with their goals while meeting New York’s legal requirements.
A trust is a legal arrangement used in estate planning in which a person transfers assets to a trustee to hold and manage for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries, according to specific terms. Trusts can be used to manage property during life, provide for loved ones after death, or accomplish specific planning goals such as asset protection, tax planning, or avoiding probate, often with guidance from a seasoned trusts lawyer who understands how to structure them properly.
Unlike wills, many trusts operate outside of the probate process, which can reduce delays and court oversight. However, trusts must be carefully drafted and properly funded to function as intended. In New York, improperly prepared trust documents can lead to disputes, administrative issues, or litigation.
Common reasons clients use trusts include:
A well-structured trust offers flexibility, control, and clarity. When thoughtfully integrated into an estate plan, it helps ensure assets are managed and distributed according to your intentions, both during your lifetime and beyond.
At Seligson Law, we assist clients with a wide range of trust-related matters, including:
We draft revocable trusts that allow you to maintain control over assets during your lifetime while providing a framework for management and distribution after death.
We assist with irrevocable trusts used for long-term planning goals, including asset protection and tax considerations, where control is transferred under defined terms.
We prepare trusts created during your lifetime to manage assets, plan for incapacity, and facilitate smoother asset transfers.
We help structure trusts created through a will that take effect after death and require court supervision under New York law.
We advise trustees on fiduciary duties, asset management, and compliance with trust terms.
We assist clients when disputes arise involving trust validity, administration, or beneficiary rights.
Every trust we prepare or review is tailored to reflect your personal goals, family dynamics, and financial considerations.
We believe planning for your future should feel clear and manageable, not overwhelming. Whether you are creating a will, establishing a trust, or developing a broader estate plan, our process is built on clarity, transparency, and thoughtful guidance at every step.
We begin with a private consultation to understand your personal situation, family dynamics, assets, and planning goals.
We explain your available options and develop a strategy tailored to your objectives and New York law.
We prepare and review all estate planning documents carefully to ensure they are accurate, clear, and legally sound.
Once your documents are finalized, we guide you through proper execution and remain available as your circumstances or goals change.
A will directs how assets are distributed after death through probate, while a trust can manage assets during life and often operates outside of probate.
Assets properly transferred into a trust generally avoid probate, though certain assets may still require court involvement if not titled correctly.
Revocable trusts can typically be amended or revoked during your lifetime, while irrevocable trusts are more limited and depend on their terms.
The trustee should be someone reliable and capable of managing assets responsibly, and we help clients evaluate appropriate choices.
Improperly drafted trusts can lead to disputes, administrative delays, or litigation, which is why careful legal drafting is critical.
A trusts lawyer helps ensure trust documents are properly structured, legally enforceable, and aligned with your goals, and at Seligson Law, we guide clients through this process with clarity and attention to detail.
While it is possible to create a trust without a lawyer, trusts that are not properly drafted or funded often fail to achieve their intended purpose. New York trust law is technical, and errors in drafting, execution, or asset transfer can result in probate, disputes, or unintended tax consequences. Working with a New York trusts lawyer helps ensure the trust is legally valid, properly structured, and aligned with your goals.
Common assets placed into a trust include real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and personal property. To function properly, a trust must be funded, meaning assets must be retitled in the name of the trust. Assets that are not transferred into the trust may still go through probate, even if a trust exists.
A revocable trust allows you to retain control and make changes during your lifetime, making it a popular option for probate avoidance and incapacity planning. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed and is often used for asset protection, Medicaid planning, or tax purposes. The right structure depends on your goals, assets, and long-term planning needs.
No. Trusts are commonly used by individuals and families with a wide range of asset levels. In New York, trusts are often used to avoid probate, manage assets during incapacity, protect privacy, and provide structure for distributions to children or other beneficiaries. Trusts can be tailored to modest or complex estates alike.
Some trusts may offer creditor protection, but not all trusts do. Revocable trusts generally do not protect assets from creditors during the grantor’s lifetime. Certain irrevocable trusts, when properly structured, may offer varying levels of protection. Asset protection depends on timing, trust type, and compliance with New York law.
Trusts can play a central role in protecting assets, preserving privacy, and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Whether you are creating a trust for the first time or reviewing an existing one, Seligson Law is here to help you move forward with confidence.
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