Cover Your Assets: Credit and Asset Protection During a Divorce
As a person who has been through a traumatic divorce, let me say that you will get through it, no matter how impossible it may seem during the first few days and months.
Estate Planning in New York City
Estate planning is more than organizing documents, it’s about protecting the life you’ve built and easing the burden on the people you love. John Crane helps NYC families create clear, practical plans that offer long-term security and peace of mind.
Trusted by Families, Professionals & the Legal Community
25+ years practicing law in New York
Hundreds of families guided through estate planning
Thousands of real estate closings completed successfully
Offices serving NYC, Westchester & surrounding communities
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of deciding how your assets, responsibilities, and personal decisions will be managed if you pass away or become unable to act for yourself. A solid estate plan helps prevent confusion and ensures your choices are respected.
With the right guidance, estate planning can feel organized, manageable, and personalized to your life.
Why Estate Planning Matters for NYC Families
New York City presents unique legal and financial considerations. A strong estate plan helps you:
Navigate or avoid probate in Surrogate’s Court
Protect NYC real estate and high-value assets
Maintain privacy through trust structures
Prepare for incapacity or emergencies
Reduce stress for loved ones
Plan for blended families, aging parents, or long-term care needs
For NYC families, estate planning is one of the most protective steps you can take.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
An estate planning attorney helps you understand your options, choose the right legal tools, and create a plan that reflects your goals while complying with New York law. They make the process clear and ensure every document works together seamlessly. This includes helping you understand wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives, protecting your real estate and financial assets, reducing or avoiding probate when possible, and planning for incapacity or medical emergencies.
Our Estate Planning Services
Every family has different needs. John Crane offers a full range of estate planning services to ensure your plan is complete, legally sound, and tailored to your goals.
Wills
Establish how your assets are distributed and name guardians for minor children.
Trusts
Protect privacy, coordinate real estate, and help avoid or simplify probate.
Power of Attorney
Choose someone to manage financial and legal decisions if you cannot.
Guardianship
Guidance for families who need legal authority to make decisions for an adult or minor.
About Probate
Support for families navigating probate or hoping to reduce court involvement in the future.
Trust Administration
Help for trustees managing a trust after a loved one’s passing or during incapacity.
Special Needs Planning
Tools to protect loved ones with disabilities without affecting essential benefits.
Your Options for Creating an Estate Plan
We help you understand which tools best match your goals, including:
Simple and effective for individuals with straightforward wishes.
Useful for avoiding probate, protecting assets, planning for incapacity, or coordinating real estate.
Including planning for loved ones with special needs, blended families, business ownership, or asset protection.
Your plan should evolve as your life changes, we help you keep it current and aligned.
Who Benefits from Estate Planning in New York City
Estate planning is valuable for:
Parents with minor children
Homeowners and real estate investors
Blended or multi-household families
Unmarried couples
Professionals with assets or savings
Anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary court involvement
If you live or own property in NYC, estate planning helps ensure your wishes are honored.
Why Work With John Crane
Clients choose John Crane because we offer:
Clear, relatable guidance
A calm, supportive experience
A personalized plan shaped around your life
Deep understanding of NYC families and their needs
A long-term partner committed to protecting what you’ve built
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, we make it simple.
FAQs About Estate Planning in NYC
Do I need an attorney?
An attorney helps ensure your documents follow New York law and work together correctly so nothing is overlooked.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your plan. You’ll receive clear, upfront pricing before any work begins.
Can estate planning help avoid probate?
Yes. Trusts and coordinated asset planning can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for probate.
How often should I update my plan?
Every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, home purchases, or significant financial changes.
Is estate planning only for older adults?
Not at all. Anyone with assets, responsibilities, or personal wishes benefits from having a clear plan.
