Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning

Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP is uniquely qualified to help our clients plan for the future and distribute estate assets upon death. Whether a simple or complicated estate, we have solid experience and substantial background to help you. For example, Karen Walsh serves as of counsel to other attorneys because of her knowledge of and success in resolving the most complex estate planning problems. Paul Amicucci is a certified public accountant and helps to guide our clients through the murky territory of estate tax implications. Our focus in this rapidly growing branch of the law allows us to apply our deep experience to your specific circumstance.

Estate planning tools to secure your family's future

When we begin our work with you, we ask you a series of questions so we can prepare a tailored plan to suit your specific needs. Your estate plan may include the following tools to manage your wealth and successfully transfer your assets to the beneficiaries you designate:

Wills
Living wills
Codicils
Durable powers of attorney
Advance medical directives, including healthcare proxies
Living trusts/revocable trusts/revocable living trusts
Irrevocable trusts

Testamentary trusts
Life insurance trusts
Charitable trusts
Family partnerships and LLCs
Family estate planning
IRS representation
Gifting

Wills and trusts protect your assets and distribute them as you want

Without a will, the state decides how to distribute your assets, usually to your relatives. But with a legally valid will, you can decide exactly how you want your hard-earned assets to be distributed upon your death. Planning now can ensure your family's financial future. The seasoned attorneys at Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP can ensure your will meets your needs and will stand up in court after your death. Our approach includes asking you a set of questions to determine your exact wishes. These are not easy decisions to make. We can also make you aware of the financial consequences of each option available to you.

Your estate plan may also include a trust and there are many kinds to consider. Generally speaking, with a trust, a grantor transfers legal ownership of assets to a trustee. The trustee invests and manages those assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries. In preparing your estate plan, we can discuss which trusts might be best for you. Our goal is to maximize your wealth now and transfer it to your beneficiaries when the time comes.

Probate and estate administration

After a loved one dies, his or her will, if one exists, needs to go through probate, the legal process of estate administration. To begin the process, you must contact your local surrogate's court and follow its procedures. Steps involved in probate include the following:

Proving in court that your loved one’s will is valid
Identifying and inventorying your loved one’s property
Appraising property
Paying debts and taxes
Distributing property as directed by a will
Transferring title and ownership of assets to the beneficiaries

If no will exists, the state mandates distribution of the estate.

Big city professionalism, small town personal attention

Located in Purchase, New York, Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo LLP offers the best of two worlds. Our clients rely on us to provide the kind of highly skilled, professional service they would expect from a pricey, big city firm coupled with the warm, personal attention they would expect from their hometowns. We do not hand you off to others. We roll up our shirtsleeves and get to work to help you, your family, and your business prepare for the future. Call us at 914-251-1115 or simply use our convenient online form to tell us how we can help you.

Serving New York City and New York's Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Ulster Counties