Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, health care proxies, and powers of attorney — a complete plan that protects your family and minimizes taxes.
Estate Planning →
New York Probate, Trusts & Estates Law Firm
New York Probate, Trusts and Estate Planning Attorneys
Probate, estate administration and wealth protection for New York families, fiduciaries, and business owners — from estate planning to cross-border estate and gift tax planning.
4.8/5 · 49 Google reviews (as of October 2026) · See the Google profile ↗
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18+
Years of trusts & estates experience
4.8
Google review rating (as of October 2026)
3
New York offices
100%
Focused on trusts & estates law
Practice Areas
Comprehensive Probate, Trusts & Estates Services
Every stage of personal planning and administration — handled by attorneys who do nothing else.
Probate & Estate Administration
Guiding executors and families through Surrogate's Court — from probate filings to final distributions and accountings.
Probate & Estate Administration →Asset Protection Planning
Strategic structures that shield your wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and unforeseen risks — before problems arise.
Asset Protection Planning →Trusts & Estates Litigation
Will contests, contested accountings, turnover proceedings, and fiduciary disputes in New York Surrogate's Court.
Trusts & Estates Litigation →Medicaid Planning
Protect your home and life savings while qualifying for long-term care benefits under New York Medicaid rules.
Medicaid Planning →Guardianships
Article 81 guardianships for incapacitated adults, SCPA Article 17-A guardianships for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and SCPA Article 17 guardianships for minors — advocacy for those who cannot act for themselves.
Guardianships →Special Needs Planning
Supplemental needs trusts and benefit-preserving strategies that provide for loved ones with disabilities.
Special Needs Planning →Estate & Gift Tax Planning
Sophisticated planning for estate, gift, and income taxes — including cross-border families, foreign trusts, and non-resident aliens.
Estate & Gift Tax Planning →Business Succession Planning
Keep your business in the right hands — buy-sell agreements, entity structuring, and generational transfer strategies.
Business Succession Planning →Fiduciary Representation
Full-service counsel for trustees and executors — accountings, tax compliance, and defense in litigation.
Fiduciary Representation →
Why Choose Us
Big-Firm Sophistication. Boutique Dedication.
Schwartsman Law Group PLLC offers all aspects of personal planning for individuals, families, and businesses, as well as representation of fiduciaries. The Firm successfully administers estates of significant volume and complexity — from probate through post-mortem tax elections, allocations, distributions, and accountings.
- Singular focusWe practice trusts and estates law exclusively — planning, administration, tax, and litigation. Depth, not dabbling.
- Big-firm training, boutique attentionOur founder honed her craft over a decade at premier New York firms Katten Muchin Rosenman and Meltzer Lippe — and brings that caliber of work to every client.
- Cross-border expertiseForeign estates, foreign trusts, non-resident aliens, cross-border marriages — we plan confidently where borders and tax systems meet.
- Accessible and responsiveOur goal is to be trusted advisors who are accessible and responsive to our clients' needs and concerns. We return calls and keep clients informed.
“Our goal is to be trusted advisors who are accessible and responsive to our clients' needs and concerns.”
Meet Marianna Schwartsman, Esq.
A Fordham Law graduate (Summa Cum Laude) who trained for over a decade at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and Meltzer Lippe Goldstein & Breitstone LLP before founding the firm.
Client Reviews
Trusted by New York Families
4.8/5 · 49 Google reviews (as of October 2026) · See the Google profile ↗
★★★★★Marianna is an excellent choice for your trust and estate needs. She helped me through the probate process when my husband passed away. I'm so grateful to have had her representation during this time. Marianna absolutely knows her stuff and is a true professional.
— Selena B.
★★★★★Marianna Schwartsman is a true professional that has helped us with our estate planning needs. She has assisted us a number of times and we would definitely use her services again as well as recommend her to family, friends, and colleagues.
— Mike F.
★★★★★Marianna's firm is absolutely top notch. Best decision we made was using this law firm. Thorough, caring, knowledgeable — just a real positive experience all around. We would highly recommend this law firm.
— Norman R.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Latest from the Blog
Plain-English guidance on New York probate, estate planning, and tax — updated daily.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan to manage and distribute your assets in the event of incapacity or death. It ensures that your wishes are honored, protects your loved ones, and minimizes potential legal disputes. Proper estate planning can also help reduce tax liabilities and simplify the estate administration process.
What is the purpose of a trust in estate planning?
A trust is a legal entity that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. It allows for greater control over how assets are managed and distributed, even after your passing. Trusts can be useful for minimizing estate taxes, avoiding probate, and providing for beneficiaries with specific needs or circumstances.
What is the role of an executor in estate administration?
An executor, also known as a personal representative, is the person named in a will and appointed by the Surrogate's Court to carry out the instructions of the deceased during the estate administration process. Their responsibilities include managing assets, paying debts and taxes, distributing property to beneficiaries, and handling legal matters related to the estate.
Can I contest a will if I believe it is invalid or unfair?
Yes, you can contest a will if you have valid legal grounds to do so. Common reasons for contesting a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or a mistake in the will's execution. Contesting a will can be complex, so it's essential to seek advice from an experienced trusts and estates attorney.
How often should I review my estate plan?
It's advisable to review your estate plan periodically or whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a substantial change in financial circumstances. Regular reviews ensure that your estate plan remains up to date and reflects your current wishes and goals.
Do you offer a free consultation?
At Schwartsman Law Group, we understand that every individual's situation is unique, and navigating the complexities of trusts and estates can be overwhelming. That's why we're pleased to offer you a complimentary consultation, where we can review your situation and explain your options. Call +1 212 518 3868 or use the consultation form on this site.
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Request Free Consultation+1 212 518 3868