- New York Estate Education
Understand your estate plan before you sign it.
Plain English lessons on wills, trusts, probate, and advance directives under New York law, from The Wagner Firm in Brooklyn.
Learn. Understand. Plan.
Estate planning doesn't have to be complicated.
Our clear, practical lessons walk you through the essentials of estate planning and administration in New York. You’ll learn at your own pace, with simple explanations, helpful checklists, and real-world examples.
01
Why plan
02
Wills
03
Trusts
04
Directives
05
Probate
06
Executor
Learning modules
Explore the key topics
01
What happens if you do nothing
Learn what can happen without a plan, including New York’s intestacy rules.
02
Wills
Understand how a will works, what it can and cannot do, and how to get it right.
03
Trusts
See how trusts can protect your assets, avoid probate, and provide for your family.
04
Advance Directives
Learn about power of attorney, health care proxy, and living wills.
05
Probate & Administration
Understand the probate process and what to expect in New York.
06
Serving as Executor
Get practical guidance on your duties, responsibilities, and next steps.
Why the Wagner Firm?
Experienced. Local. Committed to You.
Brooklyn Based
2055 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn, NY 11234.
Direct Access
To the attorney handling
your matter.
Flat-Fee Options
For many routine
matters.
matters.
Decades of Experience
In both litigation and
transactional work.
Our Team
The Wagner Firm
Jimmy Wagner, Esq.
Founder & Principal
Focused on helping individuals and families protect what matters most.
Taylor Fell, Esq.
Associate Attorney
(Admitted in Texas: New York admission pending)
Kelly O'Brien
Paralegal
(Non Attorney)
Adrianna Farrell
Paralegal
(Non Attorney)
Do I need a lawyer to write a will?
Not legally, but a will drafted and executed under attorney supervision is presumed valid and far less likely to be challenged. Do it yourself wills are a frequent source of litigation.
How often should I update my plan?
After any marriage, divorce, birth, death, move to another state, or significant change in assets, and at least every five years.
What is the New York estate tax 'cliff'?
New York taxes estates above a threshold that adjusts annually. If an estate exceeds the threshold by more than about 5%, the entire estate becomes taxable, not just the excess. Planning can avoid this.
Can you present to my group?
Yes. The Wagner Firm offers educational sessions for community organizations, senior centers, and religious institutions in Brooklyn. Use the contact form to ask.