Before your first meeting with Russel Morgan, Esq., take five minutes to work through the checklist below. Arriving prepared means your consultation focuses on strategy — not paperwork — and your comprehensive NY estate plan gets built faster.
Your Pre-Appointment Checklist
Documents to Gather
- List of assets (real estate, bank/investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance)
- Names and contact details for intended beneficiaries
- Names of a potential executor, trustee, and health-care agent
- Any existing estate-planning documents (prior wills, deeds, beneficiary designations)
Key Decisions to Think Through
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do I want probate avoided? | A revocable living trust (EPTL Article 7) passes assets privately without court. |
| Is my estate near $7,350,000? | NY’s 2026 cliff at $7,717,500 wipes the entire exemption — planning is urgent. See our NY estate tax guide. |
| Who handles my finances if I’m incapacitated? | A durable Power of Attorney (GOL §5-1513) avoids court-appointed guardianship. |
| Who makes my medical decisions? | A Health Care Proxy (NY Public Health Law Art. 29-C) is legally separate from your financial POA. |
| Do I have a valid will? | EPTL §3-2.1 requires two witnesses and testator signature at the end — DIY wills fail this test constantly. |
Morgan Legal Group serves clients across New York State — including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate communities.
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Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: why estate planning is so important.