New Yorkers reach out to Morgan Legal Group with the same pressing concerns: Will my family avoid probate? Can a trust protect me from estate tax? What happens to my estate plan if I become incapacitated? This page addresses the questions we hear most, then shows you how to get answers specific to your situation.
What New Yorkers Most Often Ask Before Calling
| Common Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Does a trust replace a will? | Not necessarily — see our trust vs. will comparison for why both often work together. |
| Will a revocable trust cut my estate tax? | No. Assets in a revocable living trust remain in your taxable estate under EPTL Article 7. |
| What is New York’s estate-tax cliff? | The 2026 basic exclusion is $7,350,000; estates exceeding 105% of that threshold ($7,717,500) lose the entire exemption — an irrevocable trust can help. |
| Can a trust protect a disabled family member’s benefits? | Yes. A special needs trust under EPTL 7-1.12 preserves Medicaid and SSI eligibility. |
| Who oversees my trustee? | Trustees owe beneficiaries the prudent-investor standard under EPTL Article 11-A, a duty of loyalty, and a duty to account. Learn more under trust administration. |
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Russel Morgan, Esq., advises clients across New York — from Manhattan and Long Island to Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate communities. Every estate plan is different; a 30-minute call is the fastest way to get a clear picture of your options.
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Explore our core services: Trusts Overview · Revocable Living Trust · Irrevocable Trust · Trust Administration · Special Needs Trust · Trust vs. Will
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