Choose the Right Path — Then Let’s Talk

Not every New Yorker needs the same plan. Before you schedule, here is a plain-language look at the main options so your first conversation with Russel Morgan, Esq. can start at the decision — not the definition.

Trust vs. Will vs. Doing Nothing: A Quick Comparison

Question	Revocable Trust	Irrevocable Trust	Will Alone
Avoids Surrogate’s Court probate?	Yes	Yes	No — required
Keeps plan private?	Yes	Yes	No — public record
Reduces NY estate tax (2026 exclusion $7,350,000)?	No	Yes, when structured correctly	No
Protects assets from Medicaid 5-year look-back?	No	Yes, if funded in time	No
Preserves SSI/Medicaid for a disabled heir (EPTL 7-1.12)?	No	Yes — via Special Needs Trust	No
Grantor keeps control?	Yes	Generally no	Yes, until death

The cliff at 105% of the exclusion ($7,717,500) means an estate just over the threshold loses the entire exemption — not merely the excess. That math alone often makes an irrevocable trust worth comparing against a simple will.

What Happens Next

Russel Morgan, Esq. reviews your assets, family situation, and goals, then recommends the structure — revocable living trust, irrevocable trust, Special Needs Trust, or a coordinated trust-and-will combination — that fits New York law and your priorities. All trustees are held to the prudent-investor standard under EPTL Article 11-A; we explain every fiduciary obligation before you sign.

Morgan Legal Group serves all of New York State — NYC, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate communities.

Schedule a 30-Minute Strategy Call