Virtual Estate Planning

Because of the seemingly never ending Covid-19 pandemic, the process of estate planning has become quite different.  The Law Office of Melissa L. Carvajal, P.C.  located in Long Island, is able to fully assist you during these difficult times without ever leaving your home. We are offering our clients and prospective clients the ability to meet with us via telephone or through video conferencing (using the ZOOM platform) or by telephone.     

In New York, estate plans can include instructions not only for distributing your property after you’ve passed but also for handling decisions in the event you can no longer make them for yourself in the event of incompetency or incapacity. Though it may be difficult to think about your mortality, clear and thorough plans can remove the fear of uncertainty and guide your loved ones during times of grief.

Knowing that you have planned for the long-term well-being and financial security of your loved ones can be comforting.  The Law Office of Melissa L. Carvajal, P.C.  thoroughly analyzes your estate and strategizes the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship and supporting charitable causes.

Your estate plan may include:

• Wills — Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute property, establish care for children and otherwise express your final wishes. A will is also the primary means by which you can leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative.
• Trusts — Trusts are flexible instruments that allow you to put conditions on gifts and provide an allowance for a beneficiary rather than a lump sum. When you set up a living trust, for example, you can enjoy your property during your lifetime and transfer wealth seamlessly at your passing, helping your loved ones avoid probate.
• Advance directives — Advance directives allow you to clearly articulate your preferences for medical treatment and lifesaving interventions. They can set forth instructions on various matters, including who should serve as your healthcare proxy (or power of attorney) if you are incapacitated. Advance directives include health care proxy forms, living wills, HIPPA waivers, MOLST forms and burial agent designation forms.
• Guardianships — If you have minor children, it’s important to plan for their care in the event you and their other parent pass away. While you can name a guardian in your will, the court will need to appoint them to serve in that capacity. Choosing a reliable, capable and trustworthy guardian can help ensure your children grow up feeling cared for and loved.

Now is an ideal time to do an estate plan.  Even though there is a national pandemic, fluctuations in the stock market and political uncertainty, you can take advantage of depreciated assets and low interest rates and protect your assets and ensure your financial future.  

Schedule a consultation, call or email The Law Office of Melissa L. Carvajal, P.C., so that we can develop an estate plan that is sensitive to your needs.