PROBATE LAW

Probate Law

Wills & Estate Attorney
Serving Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, North Towanda, Wheatfield, Lockport, NY & Beyond

Estate planning is the general term for the numerous ways an individual can legally prepare for death. Drafting an estate plan will give you peace of mind about the future of your property and wealth. In addition, it will help avoid any family altercations about who receives what.


A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will encounter in his or her life. If you don’t make a will before your death, state law will determine who gets your property (and it may well not be the person you would have chosen), and a judge may decide who will raise your children without input from you.


While you may be considering writing a will on your own, we would urge you to reconsider. New York State has specific requirements to deem a will valid. If your do-it-yourself will is not exactly to the standards set by the state, it will be the same as not having a will at all.


Kathleen Gaines Attorney at Law will draft your will for you, making sure every detail is correct. She is the wills and estate attorney you can depend on for experienced and dedicated legal assistance.

Documents of Estate Planning:
  • Will – Written document which identifies individuals to receive property/assets from the deceased.
  • Living Will – Called “a durable power of attorney” it appoints a representative to make decisions on maintaining extraordinary life-support if a person is in a coma or too ill to respond.
  • Health Care Proxy – A document that identifies someone to make medical decisions for you in case you’re unable to speak for yourself.
  • Trust – An entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain person or entities.
  • Power of Attorney – A written document signed by a person, allowing another person to handle your financial matters.
  • Life Insurance – Insurance that pays a sum of money on the death on an individual
  • Guardianships – The position of being legally responsible for the care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

If a person dies without a will, or “intestate,” then state law will determine how your property is distributed. This means that certain people or relatives may receive your property, money, or assets – even if you don’t want them to.

A will, prepared by an attorney, is the best way to make sure your exact wishes are carried out after death.
Wills Allow You To:
  • Distribute assets to designated parties
  • Name an executor to manage property after your death
  • Set up trusts
  • Select a guardian for a minor

WHY WORK WITH AN ESTATE ATTORNEY?

If you want to make sure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your final wishes, it’s important to hire an estate attorney. Planning an estate can be complicated, so working with an experienced professional can be beneficial in a number of ways. Here are some key reasons to hire our estate attorney: 



  • Customized Estate Planning: An estate attorney can work with you to create a personalized plan that aligns with your specific goals and wishes. We will help you navigate your legal options and work hard to create a comprehensive estate plan that is fully tailored to your needs. 
  • Compliance: Estate laws in New York State can be extremely intricate. An estate attorney specializes in this area of law and stays up-to-date with the latest legal developments. This allows our office to ensure that your estate plan complies with all applicable laws, minimizing the risk of disputes or challenges in the future.
  • Planning & Asset Protection: Estate attorneys have extensive knowledge of tax laws, allowing our office to help you develop strategies to minimize estate taxes and protect your assets. By working with our office, you can ensure that your assets are preserved and distributed in the way that best aligns with your wishes and minimizes tax liabilities.
  • Probate Administration: When a loved one passes away, the process of probate administration can be difficult and time-consuming. Our experienced estate attorney can handle the necessary paperwork, communicate with the court, and address any challenges or disputes that may arise during probate. This makes the process go more smoothly and allows you to focus on other things.
  • Peace of Mind: One of the most significant benefits of hiring an estate attorney is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your estate plan is well-crafted, legally sound, and in the hands of a professional can alleviate stress and uncertainty. 


Whether you’re in the beginning stages of planning your estate or you want to make changes to an existing plan, working with an experienced professional can make a big difference. Reach out to Kathleen Gaines Attorney At Law if you need assistance with your will and estate planning. Our office works with clients throughout Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Grand Island, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Wheatfield, and the surrounding areas. 

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY & PROPERTY BY CALLING TODAY

In addition to creating wills, Kathleen Gaines can also assist with establishing a power of attorney, guardianships, living wills, and health care proxies. Ultimately, we can help you avoid probate by following New York States Laws before it’s too late.


The legal process after the loss of a loved one can be daunting, but we can ease your burden with sound legal advice and guidance. Contact our Niagara Falls office to schedule an appointment for your will or estate. 


We are your experienced wills and estate attorney in Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Wheatfield, Lockport, NY and surrounding Western New York areas.

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