Whether you are exploring a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust for estate-tax reduction, or a special needs trust under EPTL 7-1.12, the most important step is moving from research to action.
Your Trust-Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to walk into your consultation prepared:
| Step | What to Gather or Decide |
|---|---|
| 1. Asset inventory | Real property deeds, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance |
| 2. Beneficiary list | Names, ages, any beneficiaries with disabilities (SNT considerations) |
| 3. Tax exposure | Estates near the 2026 New York exclusion of $7,350,000 — note the cliff at $7,717,500 where the full exemption is lost |
| 4. Trustee choice | Individual or corporate trustee; fiduciary duties governed by EPTL Article 11-A |
| 5. Probate goal | Decide if avoiding Surrogate’s Court is a priority — see Trust vs. Will |
| 6. Incapacity plan | Revocable trusts allow seamless management if the grantor becomes incapacitated |
After your checklist is ready, trust administration counsel can confirm which structure fits your plan under EPTL Article 7.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Morgan Legal Group serves clients across New York — NYC, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate. Attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. will review your checklist and map a clear path forward.
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