Estate planning

Estate planning is more than just drafting a Will or minimizing taxes—though those elements matter. At its best, it’s an act of love and foresight: a way to protect those you care about, preserve what you’ve built, and ensure that the complexities of aging and legacy are handled with dignity.

Steve Fleischer approaches estate planning through a lens shaped by deep legal knowledge, practical business acumen, and a profound understanding of the challenges that arise as clients and their families grow older. His process is personalized, thoughtful, and grounded in real-life concerns.

When working with clients, Steve encourages open dialogue about both financial and familial dynamics. Conversations often include:

• Long-term care planning: How will future costs of home health aides, assisted living, or nursing facilities be addressed?
• Existing health concerns: Are there current diagnoses—like early-stage dementia or Parkinson’s—that require advance planning?
• Special needs or financial vulnerabilities: Should certain children or family members be protected through trusts or fiduciary oversight?
• Blended families: How should children from multiple marriages be treated fairly and thoughtfully?
• Prenuptial agreements: Does an existing prenup impact the estate plan?
• Strategic use of insurance: Is there a role for life insurance, long-term care insurance, or both?
• Probate readiness: Will heirs have access to needed funds during probate, or should alternatives like Revocable Trusts be considered?
• Efficiency and delay prevention: How can we minimize risks tied to Surrogate’s Court delays or asset restrictions after death?
• Tax optimization: Could the client face New York State or federal estate tax issues? Should lifetime giving—to family or to charity—be explored?
• Longevity planning: If a long life is likely, how can we build in the flexibility to adapt over time?
• IRA and retirement accounts: How can inherited IRAs or other retirement assets be passed along while protecting beneficiaries?
• Business succession: Should minority interests in a growing business be gifted to family during the client’s lifetime?
• Out-of-state property: Would a Revocable Trust help avoid the cost and delay of ancillary probate in other states?
• Rental property management: Are LLCs an appropriate vehicle for real estate holdings?
• Philanthropic legacy: Should a family foundation or donor-advised fund be established to align giving with values?
• End-of-life planning: Would prepaid funeral arrangements ease the burden on loved ones?

With Steve, estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a conversation—grounded in compassion, shaped by experience, and designed to give clients the clarity and confidence they need to move forward.