Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts
Protect your family, avoid probate, and secure your legacy.
At Costaras Law, we make estate planning simple. Our team creates clear wills and trusts that protect your assets, reduce taxes, and keep your family out of probate court. With a plan tailored to your needs, you gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored.
If you do nothing, you still have an estate plan. It's the government's. That plan may be fine for 18th-century families. It rarely matches today's blended families, second marriages, stepchildren, businesses, retirement accounts, and cherished heirlooms.
At Costaras Law, we love estate planning because it replaces uncertainty, court delays, and fees with clarity, privacy, and control. We are a legacy law firm, and our goal is simple: keep your family out of probate court and keep your wishes in force.
What's in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
Documents Designed for Your Needs.
The Problem With No Plan
When the state makes the decisions for you.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans do not have an estate plan. When there is no plan, state law decides who gets what. Your family is pushed into probate court, where records are public, timelines are long, and costs can far exceed the price of proper planning. Probate often hits hardest when loved ones are grieving and least able to navigate red tape.
When a Simple Will May Be Enough
A Practical Solution for Uncomplicated Estates
A basic will can be sufficient if:
- You have a very simple family dynamic
- You do not own real estate
- You have one heir or your entire estate goes to charity
- Your accounts are modest and beneficiary designations already cover them
If this describes you, we will not push you into a trust. We will give you a clean, legally sound will.
When a Trust Is the Smarter Move
When Complexity Makes Basic Planning Insufficient
Consider a revocable living trust if any of the following apply:
- You own a home or multiple properties
- You have minor children or grandchildren
- You have a blended family or children from a prior marriage
- You own a business or have significant retirement or brokerage accounts
- You want to keep your wishes private and avoid probate
A trust lets you direct exactly how and when assets pass. You can name guardianship guidance for minors, protect special needs beneficiaries, and include guardrails for heirs who struggle with addiction or spending.
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts
Understanding the Tradeoffs Between Flexibility and Protection
Revocable Trust
You can change it any time. It keeps control and privacy, avoids probate, and streamlines administration.
Irrevocable Trust
You generally cannot change it, but we can build responsible safety provisions. It can remove assets from your taxable estate, enhance asset protection, and support Medicaid planning, subject to strict rules and look-back periods.
Estate tax thresholds are historically high, but they change. If your net worth could trigger estate or death tax in the future, an irrevocable trust strategy may preserve tens of millions over generations. We tailor the structure to your goals and the current law.
Real-World Protections a Trust Provides
Practical ways trusts reduce risk and uncertainty.
With a well-drafted trust, you can:
- Provide for minors without handing a 13-year-old a house and a lump sum
- Protect a special needs child without jeopardizing benefits
- Stagger distributions over time or upon milestones
- Direct gifts to charities, nieces, and nephews
- Assign heirlooms like grandma's ring or grandpa's WWII keepsake to the right person
- Keep your family's information out of public record
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers, Real Solutions.
No. A well-designed plan protects everyone's wishes-appointing guardians for minor children, choosing health-care and financial decision-makers, avoiding unnecessary court delays, and keeping your assets and loved ones organized. Even modest estates benefit from clear wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Why Past Clients Trust Costaras Law
Discover How They Found It A Simple and Easy Process
Jan C.
Happy Grandma
Attorney Nicholas Costaras prepared my Will and Estate Planning documents. He made the process simple, easy, and straightforward for me. If you need to get your Will or Estate Plan in order, you'll love having him on your side!
Amanda M.
Entrepreneur & Mom
Mr. Costaras is a pleasure to work with. He is patient, highly knowledgeable, and an expert at what he does. He helped me prepare my documents quickly and efficiently. He is a rare gem in the world of law. Anticipate exceptional service.
Debora Z.
Retired & Loving It
Attorney Costaras prepared a full Estate Plan for me. He explained the difference between a Revocable Living Trust and a Last Will & Testament. Thanks to his help, I now have my Estate Planning in order. I highly recommend him!
Take the Next Step
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to explore your options? Partner with Costaras Law for expert guidance and strategic solutions.
Schedule a consultation with Nicholas Costaras today and take the first step toward achieving your business goals.