NYBusiness.Law logo NYBusiness.Law Michael S. Baker, P.C. Attorneys at Law
Practice Area

Estate Planning

Practical, coordinated planning that protects your family, your assets, and your business—without unnecessary complexity.

Big Firm Expertise. Tailored Planning.

Estate planning is risk management. We help professionals, executives, and business owners create clear, coordinated plans that function during incapacity and after death. The goal is straightforward: reduce uncertainty, prevent avoidable conflict, and make it easier for your loved ones (and your business) to carry on.

Planning is most effective when it aligns across (i) your core documents, (ii) how assets are titled and benefits are designated, and (iii) your business agreements and succession objectives. We focus on making those pieces work together.

Clarity and Control

A plan that answers the key questions: who acts, when they act, and what authority they have—especially in emergencies.

Coordination (Not Just Documents)

We align documents with the real-world mechanics of titling, beneficiary designations, and administration.

Business-Owner Mindset

For founders and owners, we integrate planning with governance, delegated authority, and continuity planning.

Complimentary Practical Guide

A practical, plain‑English reference for New York residents considering wills, trusts, incapacity planning, and coordination.

Practical Guide to Estate Planning in New York State

Covers the core documents, common mistakes, coordination issues, and practical considerations specific to New York law.

We respect your privacy and use your email only to deliver the requested material.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

The core documents and coordination typically included in a complete plan

Foundational Documents

  • Wills and revocable living trusts (as appropriate)
  • Durable powers of attorney (financial)
  • Healthcare proxies / advance directives
  • HIPAA authorizations and medical access provisions
  • Guardianship planning for minor children

Incapacity Planning

  • Clear authority for decision-making during emergencies
  • Practical guidance for agents and fiduciaries
  • Steps to reduce the likelihood of contested authority
  • Planning to avoid unnecessary court involvement where possible

Asset and Beneficiary Coordination

  • Review of asset titling (individual, joint, trust, business)
  • Beneficiary designation review (retirement, insurance, TOD/POD)
  • Planning for digital and modern assets (accounts, crypto, online businesses)
  • Implementation checklist for follow-through

Business Owner and Succession Planning

  • Continuity planning and delegated authority for operations
  • Alignment with operating agreements / shareholder agreements
  • Succession and transition planning concepts (including buy-sell planning where appropriate)
  • Coordination with key advisors (CPA, financial advisor, insurance professional)

Tax-Aware Structuring

  • Tax-sensitive planning and charitable considerations (where relevant)
  • Practical structuring that reflects current law and real-world goals
  • Coordination with existing plans and professional team

Who Benefits from Estate Planning

Busy Professionals and Executives

A clean, coordinated plan that works—without turning the process into a second job.

Families with Children

Strong guardianship planning and clarity around decision-making during emergencies.

Business Owners

Estate planning aligned with governance documents, authority, and business continuity needs.

Families with Complexity

Blended families, multi-state considerations, real estate holdings, or situations where minimizing conflict matters.

Related Practices

Our estate planning services integrate seamlessly with our Contract General Counsel Services and broader business law practice.

Let’s Discuss Your Planning Goals

Contact us to explore how a coordinated estate plan can support your personal and business objectives.

(212) 203-9234   •   info@nybusiness.law