White Plains NY Wills, Trusts, and Estates Attorney
Relationships built on trust
At the law office of Edward H. Odesser, L.L.C., our relationships have led us to become friends and trusted advisors to many of our clients, acquaintances, and business partners. Experience is key as we broach sensitive subject matters, including the possibility of death or incapacitation, medical care preferences if debilitated, succession planning with respect to your heirs, and disputed issues of inheritance. The scope of our practice includes:
Estate or trust planning
An estate is nothing more than the accumulation of the assets and debts consolidated at the time of your death into an estate. An estate plan consists of a collection of documents that communicates your last wishes when you are unable to communicate those thoughts for yourself. An estate plan can consist of documents including:
- A last will and testament that sets forth the identities of the beneficiaries and the method of distribution of the estate
- A living will that communicates your medical preferences for life support, healthcare preferences and other related information
- A power of attorney document that authorizes another person to act as your proxy in particular circumstances
A trust is a legal entity created by a donor to disperse assets among named beneficiaries on a fixed schedule. The person who controls the trust is known as the trustee. Many trusts are set up for charitable or tax deferment purposes.
The law office of Edward H. Odesser, L.L.C. offers professional judgment and sound legal advice regarding estate and trust planning. If you have questions or concerns about estate or trust planning, call or email our offices.
Estate or trust administration
When family member dies, an executor is usually appointed to administer the estate. However, the estate must clear probate before the executor can distribute the deceased person's assets among the heirs. Probate involves paying off any taxes or debts owed by the estate before distributing the assets among the heirs.
A trust is generally not tied to the life of any individual person. If the trustee dies, a successor takes the original trustee's place. No court proceeding is necessary to administer a living trust upon the death of the creator.
If you have questions about estate or trust administration, contact the law office of Edward H. Odesser to schedule a free half hour consultation.
Inheritance disputes
When a loved one dies without a will or when a will is contested, potential beneficiaries may contest asset distribution, property ownership, and ownership of family heirlooms. At the law office of Edward H. Odesser, our attorneys offer creative solutions to complex family problems and can help to resolve a broad range of litigated estate and trust matters—quickly and cost-effectively.
Put our experience to work when you call (914) 997-8200 or email us today.
