Morgan Legal Group helps individuals and families across New York State put every essential estate-planning document in place — from a properly executed last will and testament to healthcare directives, codicil amendments, and intestacy guidance. Our practice is built on document depth: we prepare the full spectrum of instruments your estate plan may require, not just a single form will.
Attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. leads the firm’s estate-planning work with a practice that spans New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York. Whether you are signing your first will or updating a plan written years ago, our team is prepared to draft, review, and execute the paperwork the right way under New York law.
What We Prepare
Our practice centers on the documents that make an estate plan legally complete and personally meaningful.
| Document | Purpose | Governing Law |
|---|---|---|
| Last Will & Testament | Directs distribution of property at death; nominates guardians and an executor | EPTL §3-2.1 |
| Codicils & Amendments | Modifies an existing will without a full rewrite | EPTL §3-2.1 (same execution requirements) |
| Living Will / Healthcare Directive | States end-of-life medical preferences — a separate document, not a property will | NY Public Health Law Art. 29-C |
| Intestacy Analysis & Planning | Clarifies what happens under EPTL Article 4 when someone dies without a will | EPTL Art. 4 |
We also counsel clients on the spousal right of election under EPTL §5-1.1-A, which entitles a surviving spouse to claim a minimum share of the estate regardless of what the will says — a protection that must be understood before any distribution plan is finalized.
New York Execution Requirements — At a Glance
Preparing the document is only step one. Under EPTL §3-2.1, a New York will is valid only when executed correctly:
- The testator signs at the end of the will, or directs another person to sign in their presence.
- The testator declares (publishes) the instrument as their will to each witness.
- At least two attesting witnesses must sign — both within a 30-day period — and each must add their residence address.
- The testator signs in the witnesses’ presence or acknowledges the existing signature to each witness individually.
A will that misses any of these steps risks rejection when the executor presents it to the New York Surrogate’s Court for probate — because a will takes legal effect only at death and only after the court admits it to probate.
We walk every client through the execution ceremony so that nothing is left to chance.
Serving All of New York State
Our clients are located across every region of New York. Estate-planning law under the EPTL applies statewide, and we advise clients from New York City through Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and communities Upstate — wherever you are, the same rigorous standards govern your documents.
Ready to Build Your Estate Plan?
Schedule a consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq. to review which documents belong in your plan and get them prepared correctly under New York law.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: why estate planning is so important.