End-of-life planning in New York

A starter for anyone in New York thinking about a will, an advance directive, a funeral plan, or what happens next after a loss. State-specific facts where they matter, with links to authoritative New York sources, not third-party copies.

What's specific to New York

Will witnesses: 2 adult witnesses (notarisation optional but advised; it turns the will into a "self-proving" will, simpler at probate).
Advance directive notarisation: Not required in New York, but encouraged.
State directive registry: No state registry; give copies to your proxy, primary care doctor, and local hospital.
Small-estate threshold: $50,000. Below this, formal probate may be skipped via a small-estate affidavit.
Probate timeline: Typically 12–18 months. New York has both a state estate tax ($6.94m exemption, 2024) and recognises human composting.

Where to get the official forms

For an advance directive, the New York authority publishes the form here. It is free. Many state forms include both the living will and the healthcare proxy on a single document, signed once.

For a will or estate plan, the cleanest start is your state bar's lawyer referral service: New York Bar referral. A 30-minute consultation typically costs $25–$45, often credited against the engagement if you hire. For simple estates, a national online service like Trust & Will or FreeWill is fine; see our comparison of online wills.

The four things to do, in order

Advance directive (living will + healthcare proxy). Most urgent, often free.
A will, online or with an attorney.
Funeral or cremation wishes. At minimum, in writing.
A small final expense policy if your family does not have $15k in liquid savings.

If you have just lost someone in New York

Start with our 15-step checklist: What to do when someone dies. The funeral home will guide you through the immediate paperwork. For probate, contact a New York-licensed estate attorney through the bar referral service above, or use the small-estate affidavit if the estate is below $50,000 and contains no real estate.

What this page doesn't cover

We have given you the major facts that matter for most New York residents in 2026. Edge cases (community property, second marriages, business succession, special-needs trusts, Medicaid lookback periods, agricultural property, tribal jurisdiction) all require a New York-licensed attorney. Statute changes happen most years; if anything on this page differs from your state bar, your attorney, or the New York Department of Health, follow them.

Want a New York attorney shortlist?

Tell us a little about your situation. We will email you three vetted New York-licensed estate attorneys within one business day. No phone calls, no spam.

Find a vetted New York estate attorney

We will email you three New York-licensed attorneys we trust within one business day.