Wills, Trusts & Legacy Planning

Forest Hills Wills & Legacy Planning Attorneys

If you live in Forest Hills, Queens, or Nassau County, and you're looking to create a customized estate plan, the experienced attorneys at DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC are here to help. For decades, we’ve guided families, individuals, and business owners through the estate planning process with care, clarity, and strategic insight.

Our Forest Hills, Queens estate planning lawyer take the time to truly get to know you and your goals, building long-term relationships that allow us to tailor your estate plan as your life evolves. Whether you need a simple will or a more advanced legacy strategy, we’re committed to helping you secure your future and protect the people you love.

Will & Testament Attorneys Helping Forest Hills Families

A well-crafted last will and testament is the cornerstone of any estate plan. Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand your wishes and draft a will that clearly outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing. We also represent clients in will contests and probate disputes, offering strong courtroom advocacy when challenges arise.

In addition to wills, our firm helps clients include charitable giving in their estate plans. Whether you wish to leave a bequest to a nonprofit, create a charitable trust, or establish a foundation, we can help you integrate philanthropy into your legacy in a way that reflects your values.

What You Should Know About Probate

Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away. If that person had a will, it must be validated by the Surrogate’s Court before any assets can be distributed. The probate process confirms the will’s authenticity and gives the executor legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. If there’s no will, probate still takes place—but New York's intestacy laws will determine who inherits the estate.

Since wills and probate go hand in hand, it’s important to understand how one affects the other. A properly prepared will can significantly streamline probate, while missing or vague documents can complicate it. That’s why we help clients across Forest Hills and Queens draft clear, legally sound wills and prepare for what comes next.

Need help navigating probate in New York? Visit our probate page to learn how we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Why Legacy Planning is Important

Legacy planning is about more than just distributing assets—it’s about creating a long-term strategy to support the people and causes you care about most. Whether you want to leave behind financial support for your children, preserve family traditions, or give to a nonprofit you believe in, legacy planning helps ensure your values live on for generations.

It also gives you the ability to shape how your wealth is used, providing structure, protection, and purpose. We help Forest Hills residents craft legacy plans that reflect who they are, what they’ve built, and what kind of future they want to leave behind.

Legal Support We Provide for Legacy Planning in Forest Hills

At DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC, we offer comprehensive guidance for legacy planning. We assist clients in creating charitable trusts, long-term succession plans, and advanced directives that carry out your wishes with precision. Whether you’re looking to support family, faith, or philanthropy, our team will help you build a plan that protects your legacy with care and clarity.

Interested in learning more about trusts? Visit our Trusts page to explore how they can enhance your estate plan.

Why Forest Hills Chooses DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC

Our estate planning attorneys bring years of hands-on experience working with Queens families, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals . We’re deeply familiar with New York estate laws, and we know how to create cohesive plans that avoid probate, reduce tax burdens, and prevent family disputes.

We serve clients throughout Forest Hills and neighboring communities, and we’re committed to providing clear guidance, compassionate service, and legally sound solutions that protect your future.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Forest Hills Wills & Estate Planning Lawyer

If you're ready to create a will, trust, or custom estate plan, our Forest Hills estate attorneys are here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and develop a plan that brings you peace of mind.

Visit our conveniently located Forest Hills office, just off Austin Street, or call us at 347-808-5746 to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our online contact form.

FAQs:

What Are The Differences in Wills and Trusts?

This is one of the most common questions clients ask—and for good reason. A will is a legal document that spells out how you want your property distributed after your death. It goes through probate and becomes public record. A trust, on the other hand, is a private legal arrangement that can go into effect while you’re still alive. Trusts help your heirs avoid probate, and they offer greater flexibility in how and when assets are distributed. Depending on your goals, one or both may be appropriate.

Interested in learning more about trusts? Visit our Trusts page to explore how they can enhance your estate plan.

How Long Does a Will Take to Go Through Probate?

It really depends on the complexity of the estate. A straightforward probate case might take six months to a year. If there are disputes, missing documents, or hard-to-value assets, it could take longer. Our role is to help you prepare documents that speed things up and, if you're an executor, guide you through the steps so nothing falls through the cracks.

What Should I Put in My Will?

Your will should name an executor—someone you trust to carry out your wishes—and it should clearly state who gets what. That might include money, real estate, family heirlooms, or even digital accounts. If you have minor children, naming a guardian is one of the most important decisions you'll make. We also recommend including backup plans, just in case your first choices can’t serve.

What Questions Should I Ask My Will & Testament Attorney?

Here are four essential questions to ask during your consultation:

1. What documents do I need in addition to a will?
2. Should I consider creating a trust as well?
3. How can I protect my assets from probate or taxes?
4. How often should I update my estate plan?

Give DeCandido & Azachi in Forest Hills a Call Today at 347-808-5746 to Schedule Your Free Consultation.