Michael Ettinger (Newyork Lawyer)
Life changes, and your will should change with it. In New York, an outdated will can cause unintended complications for your loved ones, turning a difficult time into a legal headache. Whether you have recently married, welcomed a new child or significantly changed your financial situation, keeping your will current is one of the most important steps in estate planning.
1. Ettinger Law Firm
Image source: https://www.trustlaw.com/practice-areas/elder-law-estate-planning/wills/
Ettinger Law Firm specializes in elder law and estate planning, providing services for creating and updating wills. It focuses on wealth preservation and makes sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Thanks to its no-cost consultation, you can discuss your needs without committing. Ettinger Law Firm brings New York families peace of mind, safety and security, and can help create updated wills customized to their situations.
2. Davidov Law Group
Image source: https://davidovlaw.com/estate-planning/wills/
Davidov Law Group helps families create legally sound wills to protect their loved ones’ futures. The firm offers a range of will services, including simple wills, testamentary trust wills and joint wills. It believes in the importance of designating an executor, naming guardians for minor children and distributing your assets as you intended. The experienced attorneys can help you comply with the strict legal formalities of New York law and ensure your updated will is valid.
3. Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC
Image source: https://www.pierrolaw.com/practice-areas/estate-planning-lawyer/wills-lawyer/
Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC offers a wide range of estate planning services, including the creation and updating of wills. Its team of experienced attorneys can help you with all aspects of your estate plan, from updating a simple will to creating a high-net-worth estate plan. The firm also has experience in areas like LGBTQ+ estate planning. It offers a free estate planning guide on its website, along with other educational resources.
4. Wingate, Kearney & Cullen, LLP
Image source: https://wkclaw.com/wills-trusts-estates-attorneys-new-york/
Wingate, Kearney & Cullen, LLP assists clients with asset planning and wealth transfer. It offers a diversified trusts and estates practice to ensure your assets are protected and passed on to your loved ones, including the drafting and updating of wills. Its experts can also help you plan for your own future by setting up health care proxies. In addition to wills and trusts, it can assist with setting up guardianships to protect family members.
5. Jules Martin Haas
Image source: https://www.juleshaasattorney.com/practice-areas/trust-and-estates/estate-planning-and-wills/
Jules Martin Haas provides full estate planning services, including drafting and revising wills. This firm helps avoid uncertainty and litigation by distributing your assets according to your wishes. Whether you are updating a simple will or have questions about a more complex estate plan, Jules Martin Haas can provide the guidance you need. The team also offers a complimentary consultation.
6. The Wills and Trusts Firm, LLP
Image source: https://www.thewillsfirm.com/wills
The Wills and Trusts Firm, LLP, offers a straightforward, flat-fee pricing model with no hidden fees. It can help you create a clear and enforceable will that is tailored to your needs. The legal team explains industry terms in plain language to confirm your will reflects your true intentions. This firm’s services are also flexible to ensure a stress-free experience for its clients.
Methodology
Each New York firm was evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Years in business
- Industry reputation
- Client satisfaction and success rate
- Available educational resources
- Variety of services offered
- Experience in managing wills in New York
The selection process analyzed each firm’s online presence, client testimonials and standing on other trusted industry lists.
Comparing New York’s Top Law Firms for Updating Your Will
When selecting a law firm, consider several factors, including location, experience and attractive features. This table will allow you to see at a glance which firm may be the best fit for your needs.
| New York Offices | Founding Year | Key Features | |
| Ettinger Law Firm | New City, Middletown, Fishkill, Islandia, Huntington, Albany, Lake Success, Rhinebeck, Melville, Rockville Centre, White Plains and Staten Island | 1991 | Free consultationComplete will planning supportSpecializes in helping older adults with wealth planning |
| Davidov Law Group | New Hyde Park | 2001 | Experienced in handling a variety of will types Well-versed in New York lawCaters to Long Island families |
| Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC | Garden City, Albany, Manhattan, Hudson, Lake Placid, Ronkonkoma, Utica | 1999 | Experience in LGBTQ+ estate planning Personalized support and legal planning Online educational materials, including guides and videos |
| Wingate, Kearney & Cullen, LLP | Manhattan | 1864 | Guardianship assistance Over a century of experienceHelps set up health care and burial proxies |
| Jules Martin Haas | Manhattan | 1985 | No-cost consultation Estate planning background Client-centered approach |
| The Wills and Trusts Firm, LLP | Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Suffolk County, Queens and Nassau County | 2005 | Flat-fee pricing modelNo hidden feesProvides stress-free services |
New York State How to make changes to a will.
Two major types of changes in your will can be made in the state of New York.
Executing a New Will
One of the most frequent ways of doing a new will is to execute it, particularly in case you have undergone any major change. The new will must clearly indicate that you are rescinding all of your old wills and codicils. This makes the latest version valid only by law.
The new will ought to be signed with the same legalities as the previous one. In New York, it requires it to be in writing and also signed by the testator himself and there has to be at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. You can be guided by a good law firm that deals with New York law through the legalities involved in drafting a new will.
Adding a Codicil
Codicil is a separate document, which is a modification to your will. It might introduce a new provision or alter one or eliminate old provision. It is better to make a new will in case of any serious changes, and codicil may be used in case of minor changes. Endogenously, it ought to be performed with equivalent legal formality as a will.
FAQs
I Need to Update My Will. What are the most optimal options in my location?
The most suitable alternative to you will be based on your needs and location. These law firms mentioned in this post are an excellent place to start, since they are based in different parts of New York. Ettinger Law Firm is the one that has the highest number of offices in New York among the firms discussed in this list and hence it makes it a good choice of law firm in your area.
What are the Wills Update Fees of Lawyers?
There are lawyers who charge on an hourly basis and other ones such as The Wills and Trusts Firm, LLP charge a flat-fee model. Other companies such as Jules Martin Haas and Ettinger Law Firm also use a free initial consultation as they answer your needs and estimate the cost. Updating a will is subject to the cost depending on the complexity of your estate and the changes that you require.
What Is the biggest error with Wills?
The worst thing is that you may not update your will because of major life changes such as marriage or divorce or birth of a child or write on the existing will thus rendering it invalid when you need to change it. A will that is old or invalid may cause such issues as conflict in the family and legal problems.
