Wills & Estate Plans
Wills, updates to existing plans, executor selection, guardianship planning where appropriate, and planning for how assets should pass.
Home Estate PlanningEstate Planning & Estate Administration
Plan ahead. Or get help handling an estate after a loss.
Kevin Gagliano helps Hudson Valley families with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, estate administration, Surrogate's Court matters, and inherited property.
Start With Your Situation
What do you need help with?
Estate Services
Clear help for planning ahead and handling an estate.
Trusts
Trust planning where appropriate for family, property, control, privacy, incapacity, or transfer goals. Not everyone needs a trust.
Powers of Attorney & Health Care Directives
Financial powers of attorney, health care proxies, living-will guidance, and planning for incapacity.
Probate & Estate Administration
Guidance for estates with a will and estates that must be administered after someone dies.
When There Is No Will
Estate administration, Letters of Administration, identifying heirs, and distributing property under New York law.
Surrogate's Court Matters
Petitions, court papers, executor or administrator authority, and procedural estate matters explained in plain English.
Inherited Property & Estate Real Estate
Help when an estate owns a house or other property that must be maintained, transferred, sold, or otherwise handled.
Complex Estate Matters
Missing heirs, unclear family relationships, out-of-state estates with New York property, ancillary proceedings, and other complications.
Direct Attorney Access
Work directly with Kevin.
Whether you are planning ahead or handling an estate after a death, you work directly with Kevin Gagliano on the legal steps, documents, and next decisions.
Direct communication
Plain-English explanations
Local Hudson Valley practice
Estate planning and real estate experience
What to ExpectStep 1 Step 2 Step 3
A clear next step, without unnecessary complexity.
Tell Kevin what is happening
You need a will, were named executor, there is no will, the estate owns property, or you were told you need court papers.
Understand what happens next
Kevin reviews the situation, documents, family structure, property, and any court requirements.
Move the matter forward
The firm helps prepare necessary documents, handle court or estate steps, and keep you informed.
New York Estate Matters
Estate matters in New York can take different paths.
A will generally goes through probate in Surrogate's Court.
When there is no will, an estate administration proceeding may be needed.
An executor usually needs court-issued authority before acting for the estate.
An administrator may be appointed when there is no will.
A power of attorney and health care proxy are different documents.
Out-of-state estates with New York property may require an ancillary proceeding.
Missing heirs or estate-owned real estate can make the process more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate planning and administration questions.
When should I make or update a will?
Consider making or reviewing a will after marriage, divorce, a new child, buying a home, major financial changes, or whenever an older plan no longer reflects your wishes.
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on your goals, assets, family situation, and planning needs. A trust can be useful in some circumstances, but not everyone needs one.
What documents should be included in an estate plan?
A plan commonly includes a will, a trust where appropriate, a power of attorney, a health care proxy, and other documents based on your situation.
What happens if someone dies without a will in New York?
The estate may need an administration proceeding in Surrogate's Court, and New York law determines who is entitled to inherit.
What is probate?
Probate is the Surrogate's Court process used to establish a will and authorize the executor to act.
What does an executor or administrator do?
They handle estate property, court requirements, debts and expenses, and distribution to the proper beneficiaries or heirs.
What happens if the estate owns a house or other property?
The property may need to be maintained, transferred, sold, or otherwise handled depending on title, court authority, the will, and the circumstances.
Request a Consultation
Tell Kevin what is happening.
A few simple questions help the firm understand whether you are planning ahead or handling an estate after a loss.
Prefer to talk now?
Call (845) 527-6427