Plan today,
protect tomorrow.
Whether you are looking for a simple will, a power of attorney, or more sophisticated planning involving living trusts, we are here to advise, draft, and help you realize your personal and financial goals — with the same careful attention given to every client.
Thoughtful planning, built around your life.
We listen first, draft carefully, and explain every document in plain language — so the plan you sign is the plan you actually want.
Wills & Last Testaments
A well-drafted will is the foundation of any estate plan. We work with you to clearly identify beneficiaries, name guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor you trust. Whether your estate is straightforward or involves blended families, business interests, or charitable gifts, we tailor each will to your wishes — and review it as life changes.
- Last wills & testamentary trusts
- Guardianship designations for minor children
- Executor & beneficiary planning
- Specific bequests & charitable gifts
- Periodic review & updates
Revocable Living Trusts
For clients with more sophisticated needs, a revocable living trust can avoid probate, maintain privacy, and provide structured management of assets during incapacity or after death. We design and draft trusts that align with your goals — and help you fund them properly so the plan actually works the way it reads.
- Revocable living trust drafting
- Probate avoidance strategies
- Trust funding & asset titling
- Successor trustee planning
- Coordination with wills & beneficiary designations
Powers of Attorney & Health Care Directives
Estate planning is not only about what happens after you are gone — it is also about who speaks for you if you cannot speak for yourself. We prepare durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills so that the people you trust have clear authority and your medical wishes are respected.
- Durable general power of attorney
- Health care proxy
- Living will & end-of-life directives
- HIPAA authorizations
- Coordinated review with your physician or family
Estate planning, explained.
Do I really need a will if my estate is small?
Yes. Without a will, New York's intestacy laws decide who inherits your property and who raises your minor children — often with results you would not have chosen. Even a simple will gives you control and saves your family time and conflict.
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will takes effect at death and goes through probate, which is a public court process. A revocable living trust takes effect during your lifetime, lets you manage assets if you become incapacitated, and generally avoids probate. Many plans use both, working together.
Why do I need a power of attorney and a health care proxy?
A durable power of attorney lets someone you trust handle financial and legal matters if you cannot. A health care proxy lets someone make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate. Without them, your family may need to go to court — at the worst possible time.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend a review every three to five years, and sooner after any major life event — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, a significant change in assets, or a move to another state.
What is your fee structure for estate planning?
Most estate planning matters are handled on a flat-fee basis, agreed in writing before work begins. We discuss the full scope and cost openly during your initial consultation so there are no surprises.
What our clients are saying.
Words from the families and individuals we've had the privilege to represent.
Very professional and very kind.
"This is really good lawyer that I can recommend to all, he help me a lot and is very respect lawyer."
Shifa D. Soressa all the way.
"I will recommend Shifa D. Soressa any day and time. He is indeed well knowledgeable in the immigration laws and their rightful application to achieve utmost and timely success. I am a testifying client of this."
If there were more than 5 stars, I'd give them.
"The lawyer had been of great help to me and my family in so many ways. He's been very patient with me and my family — smart, hardworking and an excellent lawyer. Would definitely recommend to others who are in need of his help."
Best there is, hands down.
"If you're looking for results, professionalism and an honest opinion about your case then look no further — Shifa Soressa is your man. He will definitely do everything he can to deliver. He responds in a timely manner, nor is he money hungry. He was not only informative but encouraging and optimistic."
The best lawyer, honestly.
"Words cannot describe — he is the best and most honest lawyer. He reviewed my immigration history, reviewed my case with me in detail, and guided me through. We were kept informed of the progress of my case and he enabled me to now freely live and work as a productive person."
Super awesome immigration attorney.
"Very professional, honest and understands the scope of his work. He assures and delivers. Never regret having Shifa represent you."
Simply the best.
"Shifa is the most honest and compassionate person I have dealt with. I was introduced to him after being given the run-around by various lawyers about my difficult immigration case. At our first meeting he gave me no assurance but was very honest and straightforward about the approach to my case."
100%.
"Best person and professional to work with. Makes everything easy and smooth."
Always helpful and professional.
"I have had Shifa Soressa work on the different phases of my case for the last 3 years or more, and he is also working on my sister's case with the same consistency in the quality of his work. He handles every question with patience and responds in a very accurate and easy-to-understand manner. I most appreciate how professional he and his staff are."
Very professional and very kind.
"This is really good lawyer that I can recommend to all, he help me a lot and is very respect lawyer."
Shifa D. Soressa all the way.
"I will recommend Shifa D. Soressa any day and time. He is indeed well knowledgeable in the immigration laws and their rightful application to achieve utmost and timely success. I am a testifying client of this."
If there were more than 5 stars, I'd give them.
"The lawyer had been of great help to me and my family in so many ways. He's been very patient with me and my family — smart, hardworking and an excellent lawyer. Would definitely recommend to others who are in need of his help."
Best there is, hands down.
"If you're looking for results, professionalism and an honest opinion about your case then look no further — Shifa Soressa is your man. He will definitely do everything he can to deliver. He responds in a timely manner, nor is he money hungry. He was not only informative but encouraging and optimistic."
The best lawyer, honestly.
"Words cannot describe — he is the best and most honest lawyer. He reviewed my immigration history, reviewed my case with me in detail, and guided me through. We were kept informed of the progress of my case and he enabled me to now freely live and work as a productive person."
Super awesome immigration attorney.
"Very professional, honest and understands the scope of his work. He assures and delivers. Never regret having Shifa represent you."
Simply the best.
"Shifa is the most honest and compassionate person I have dealt with. I was introduced to him after being given the run-around by various lawyers about my difficult immigration case. At our first meeting he gave me no assurance but was very honest and straightforward about the approach to my case."
100%.
"Best person and professional to work with. Makes everything easy and smooth."
Always helpful and professional.
"I have had Shifa Soressa work on the different phases of my case for the last 3 years or more, and he is also working on my sister's case with the same consistency in the quality of his work. He handles every question with patience and responds in a very accurate and easy-to-understand manner. I most appreciate how professional he and his staff are."
Begin a conversation.
Whether you're navigating immigration or planning for the future, we're here to listen first. Reach out to schedule a confidential consultation.
- 1 West 34th Street, Suite 702New York, NY 10001
- 212-685-4545
- info@shifalaw.com
- Mon–Fri · 9:00 – 6:00