New York Private Wealth and Estate Planning Attorneys

A private wealth attorney advises high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on estate planning, trust administration, wealth transfer, business succession, charitable planning, and tax-efficient strategies for preserving and transferring wealth across generations.

New York imposes its own estate tax with an exemption significantly below the federal level. If a New York estate exceeds the exemption by more than 5%, the cliff effect eliminates the entire exemption — meaning the full estate is subject to New York estate tax. This makes New York-specific planning essential for high-net-worth residents.

A family office manages the investments, estate planning, tax strategy, and administrative affairs of one or more ultra-high-net-worth families. Private wealth attorneys advise family offices on trust structures, governance, generational transfer, philanthropy, and legal compliance.

A financial advisor manages investments and financial planning. A private wealth attorney provides legal advice on estate structures, trust documents, tax planning strategies, and wealth transfer — work that requires legal expertise and bar admission.

New York's exclusion ($7.35 million for 2026 deaths) phases out quickly. Once the taxable estate exceeds 105% of the exclusion, about $7.72 million for 2026, the exclusion is lost entirely and the whole estate is taxed (N.Y. Tax Law § 952(c)). An estate just over the line can owe far more than one just under it.

No. For 2026 the New York exclusion is $7,350,000, while the federal estate and gift tax exclusion is $15,000,000 per person. An estate can owe New York tax without owing any federal estate tax.

They can, but New York generally adds back taxable gifts made within three years of death, with some exceptions (for example, gifts made while a nonresident). Timing matters, so plan gifts with counsel.

They can. A nonresident's estate must file if it includes New York real or tangible property and the gross estate plus includible gifts exceeds the exclusion.

A family office manages investments, taxes, estate planning and administration for one or more wealthy families. A private wealth attorney handles the legal side: trusts, governance documents, wealth transfer, charitable entities and compliance. You need one once your estate, business or family structure goes beyond a standard will and trust.

The page lists Haute Lawyer members located in New York whose profiles include private wealth, estate and trust, or estate planning and probate. Members participate in a paid visibility program. A listing isn't a recommendation and doesn't guarantee any outcome.

Use the New York State Unified Court System's attorney search (iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices) for registration status. ACTEC's directory shows whether a lawyer is an ACTEC Fellow.