Your Will, Done Right — So Your Family Doesn't Pay the Price Later
A last will and testament is the foundation of any estate plan. It's also one of the most commonly botched legal documents in America — because most people use a template that won't hold up when it counts. We draft wills that are valid, properly executed, and built around what actually matters to you.
If Something Happened Tomorrow, Who Would Raise Your Children?
A will is the only legal document that lets you name a guardian for your minor children. Without one, that decision goes to a judge — a stranger who knows nothing about your family, your values, or who your kids love and trust. This is the most important reason young families come to us, and it's the one most people put off the longest.
One appointment is all it takes to change that. We walk you through the guardian designation, draft the document, and ensure it's properly executed before you leave. You don't need to have everything figured out in advance — that's what the consultation is for.
What a Will Does — and What It Doesn't
Understanding what a will actually covers helps you plan the rest of your estate correctly.
A will allows you to:
- Name who inherits your assets after you pass
- Designate a guardian for any minor children
- Appoint an executor to carry out your wishes
- Specify funeral and burial preferences
- Distribute personal property to specific people
What a will does not do: it does not avoid probate. In New York, assets that pass through a will go through Surrogate's Court. In California, they go through Probate Court. Both processes take time and cost money. If avoiding probate is a priority — and for most families it should be — a trust is the tool that accomplishes that.
We'll tell you honestly whether a will alone is enough for your situation, or whether pairing it with a trust makes more sense.
Why Online Will Templates Fail — and What "Valid" Actually Requires
New York and California both have specific legal requirements for a will to be valid. Miss any one of them and the document is worthless — or worse, contested.
1. Two Witnesses — With Rules Attached
In New York, your will must be signed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will. The signing order and timing matter. A witness who stands to inherit under the will can invalidate their bequest or the document itself.
2. Proper Execution Sequence
The testator must sign — or acknowledge their signature — in front of both witnesses at the same time. This isn't a technicality. Courts have thrown out wills because the signing sequence wasn't followed correctly.
3. California's Additional Considerations
California follows similar witness requirements but has its own nuances around self-proving affidavits and notarization that affect how the will is handled in probate. An online template written for one state may not satisfy the other.
A will that fails execution requirements isn't a will. It's a document that creates a legal dispute at the worst possible moment. We make sure yours holds up.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
We keep the process straightforward. Most clients complete their will in a single guided appointment.
- You schedule a consultation — in person at our Springfield Gardens, Oakland, or Culver City offices, or virtually from anywhere
- We discuss your family, your assets, and your wishes in plain language
- We draft your will and review it with you before execution
- We guide you through the signing and witness process so the document is valid from day one
- Fixed-fee pricing means you know the cost before we begin — no hourly surprises
George speaks Spanish fluently, and we serve clients across all three offices and virtually. If you've been putting this off because the process felt complicated or expensive, this is the conversation that changes that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Drafting
How much does it cost to have a will drafted by an attorney in New York?
Attorney fees for will drafting in New York vary based on complexity, but many straightforward wills are available at a fixed fee. At Jet Legal, we offer fixed-fee pricing for most will engagements so you know the cost upfront. Contact us for a quote based on your specific situation.Do I need a will if I'm young and don't have much to leave behind?
If you have minor children, yes — without question. The guardian designation alone makes a will essential for any parent. Even without significant assets, a will ensures your wishes are documented and your children are protected.Can I use an online template for my New York will?
You can, but the risk is real. New York's execution requirements — specific witness rules, signing sequence, and timing — are frequently not satisfied by generic online templates. A will that fails these requirements may be declared invalid in Surrogate's Court, which means your wishes don't control what happens to your estate.What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after you pass and goes through probate court before assets are distributed. A trust holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to your beneficiaries privately, without court involvement. Many families benefit from having both. We'll help you decide what's right for your situation.
Can you draft a will if I live in California but my family is in New York? Yes. We're licensed in both New York and California, and we offer virtual consultations for clients who can't come into an office. We'll make sure your will satisfies the requirements of the state where you reside.
A Will Is the Starting Point. Let's Build Yours.
You've been meaning to do this. Let's make it a done thing. One conversation, one appointment, and your family has a plan — one that holds up in court and reflects exactly what you want.
