Preparing for the future isn’t just about what happens after you pass—it’s also about protecting yourself during your lifetime. Creating a will and establishing a power of attorney are foundational steps in any estate plan. At Reitano Law, we help individuals and families across Staten Island and the New York City area put these crucial documents in place with care and precision.
A will, also called a last will and testament, is a legal document that states how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to:
Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to New York’s intestacy laws—which may not reflect your personal preferences.
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to handle your financial or legal matters if you become unable to do so yourself. In New York, the most commonly used form is the durable power of attorney, which remains in effect even if you become incapacitated.
You can give your agent the authority to:
POAs can be broad or limited in scope, depending on your needs.
It’s a good idea to create or update your will and power of attorney:
At Reitano Law, we simplify the process of drafting wills and powers of attorney to ensure your intentions are honored. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options in plain language, and prepare legally sound documents tailored to your needs.
Serving Staten Island and neighboring boroughs, we provide practical, trustworthy estate planning support.
Contact Reitano Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.
Please note all messages are replied to within 72 hours during normal business hours. For urgent inquiries, please email Shanna Naugle or Kathy Malta.
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Your assets will be distributed according to New York’s intestate succession laws, which prioritize spouses, children, and other close relatives.
Yes. You can revise your will at any time through a codicil or by creating a new will. It’s important to keep it up to date.
Most POAs in New York take effect as soon as they are signed, but you can specify conditions (such as only upon incapacity).
Choose someone you trust completely, who understands your values and will act in your best interest.
No. A power of attorney ends at death. After that point, the executor named in your will takes over management of your estate.
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