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Central New York Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning is deeply personal. No two families share the same financial picture, relationships, or future plans. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Everyone’s goals and personal circumstances are unique, requiring tailored legal strategies to address their specific needs. Personalized estate planning creates a roadmap that honors your wishes, protects your loved ones, and preserves your legacy.

At Davies Law Firm, we believe your estate plan should be as unique as the life you’ve built. Our Central New York estate planning attorneys take the time to understand your goals and translate them into clear legal solutions. New York’s estate laws require precision, and the cost of generic planning can be high, both financially and emotionally. We create customized strategies that reflect your values, avoid unnecessary delays, and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Let’s talk about how we can help you. Schedule a telephone conference with Davies Law Firm at (315) 472-6511 today to begin creating a plan that truly fits your priorities. Your story deserves thoughtful, individualized guidance, and we’re here to provide it.

Over 10,000 PEOPLE Have Trusted Davies Law Firm

Proactive Estate Planning Matters

Proactive estate planning provides the foundation for a secure future for your loved ones. It allows you to protect your assets, express your wishes clearly, and adapt to changes that life may bring. Taking early steps to create a comprehensive plan is essential to avoid unnecessary stress, conflict, or financial losses.

Avoiding Family Disputes Through Clear Planning

Without a well-structured estate plan, families often face disagreements over asset distribution. These disputes can strain relationships and lead to extended legal battles. 

A clear estate plan minimizes ambiguity. Tools such as wills and trusts allow you to provide explicit instructions for your heirs. For example, a revocable living trust can designate beneficiaries and property distribution while bypassing probate, which often becomes a source of contention. Additionally, assigning roles like executor, trustee, or power of attorney to trustworthy individuals further strengthens your plan. We provide clarity and guidance in drafting estate planning documents as well as assist in selecting individuals who can carry out their responsibilities effectively and with minimal conflict.

Your estate plan is not just about distributing assets, it is a way to preserve your legacy. Planning ahead allows you to pass on not only financial resources but also the values and priorities that matter to you.

Trusts are excellent tools for protecting your legacy. For example, a Medicaid trust can be used to safeguard assets from long-term care costs.  New York’s estate tax laws often require careful planning to maximize what is passed on to heirs. Our team can create strategies to help reduce tax liabilities, ensuring that more of your estate benefits your loved ones.

We can also help establish plans that reflect your personal goals, such as supporting charitable causes or providing for specific family members. Through tailored solutions, your legacy can have a lasting impact on those you care about most.

Estate planning is not a one-time task. Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes, often require updates to your plan. Failing to address these changes can lead to outdated documents that no longer align with your current situation.
For instance, in the event of a divorce, failing to update beneficiary designations or remove an ex-spouse from your will can lead to unintended outcomes. Similarly, adding provisions for newly born or adopted children is crucial to reflect your growing family.

Proactive estate planning is a continuous process that safeguards your intentions and secures your legacy. With the help of a skilled Central New York estate planning attorney from Davies Law Firm, you can create a plan that adapts to life’s changes, prevents family disputes, and protects what matters most to you.

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Free Seminar on Living Trusts & Long Term Care

North Syracuse

October 21, 2025
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Community Center,
700 South Bay Road

Camillus

October 22, 2025
9:30 am to 11:30 am
St. Michael’s Church,
5108 W Genesee Street

East Syracuse

October 23, 2025
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Hilton Garden Inn,
6004 Fair Lakes Road

NEARLY 4 DECADES CREATING ESTATE PLANS IN SYRACUSE

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Precision Planning for Complex Estates

Estate planning is a deeply personal process, often involving unique challenges and the need for tailored solutions. At Davies Law Firm, we’ve established a name for being The Living Trust Law Firm. We have guided thousands of clients in creating living trusts and other estate planning strategies that protect their legacies and secure their family’s long-term well-being.

Our firm excels in cases that others may find too complicated or challenging. We approach even the most difficult cases with care and determination. Our team can provide clear and practical solutions in dealing with local and international probate, managing assets across borders, or tackling uncommon legal scenarios. These situations require not only legal knowledge but also creativity and problem-solving, qualities we bring to each case.

Founding attorney Fred Davies, Colonel, USAF (retired), brings a unique perspective to estate planning. As a former Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Estate Planning Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Air Force, he has helped individuals and their families face their legal concerns with compassion and quality guidance. His decades of experience and commitment to service enable him to handle even the most difficult cases with precision and advocacy.

As part of our commitment to our clients, we also address international estate matters with the utmost professionalism, including compliance with New York estate laws and managing tax implications across jurisdictions. We handle these cases with efficiency and attention to detail, giving clients peace of mind throughout the process.

Fred Davies, Colonel, USAF (retired), former Estate Planning Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Air Force.

Our practice areas

Trusts for Asset Protection and Estate Management

Establishing a trust is a strategic way to manage and protect your assets, ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes. In New York, trusts offer various benefits, including probate avoidance, asset protection, and potential tax advantages.

A trust is a legal arrangement where one party, known as the trustee, holds and manages assets on behalf of another, the beneficiary. Creating a trust allows you to dictate how and when your assets are distributed, providing control and privacy. Trusts can be tailored to meet various objectives, such as providing for disabled children along with minor children, supporting charitable causes, or managing assets for beneficiaries who may not be financially savvy.

A revocable living trust allows you to retain control over your assets during your lifetime. You can modify or revoke the trust as your circumstances or intentions change. Upon your passing, the assets in the trust bypass the probate process, facilitating a smoother and more private transfer to your beneficiaries. Revocable living trusts are particularly beneficial for those seeking flexibility and ease in managing their estate.

A living trust is established while you are alive and avoids the need for probate. It provides all the benefits of a testamentary trust plus planning for incapacity, Long-Term Care, and tax planning. There is no need to involve the court system in the event of disability and at the time of death, allowing your Trustee to quickly step in to manage your affairs in the event of disability and distribute your assets when you pass away.

A testamentary trust is a set of instructions within a Will to create a trust at the time of death in the court system. It requires probate and is not in effect until you die. Going through probate to create the trust increases attorney fees, court costs, and the time required to distribute your assets to your loved ones. One of our goals is to help you avoid the probate court system.

Living trusts and wills are both essential tools in estate planning, but they serve different purposes and function in distinct ways:

  • Probate Process: A will must go through probate, a court-supervised process that validates the document and oversees asset distribution. This can be time-consuming and public. A living trust, on the other hand, avoids probate entirely, allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries in a private and efficient manner.
  • Timing of Asset Transfer: A will only takes effect after your death, while a living trust can manage and distribute assets during your lifetime (if you become incapacitated) and after your passing.
  • Privacy: Wills become part of the public record through probate. Living trusts are private documents, keeping the details of your estate confidential.
  • Management During Incapacity: A living trust allows for the seamless management of assets if you become incapacitated, as a successor trustee can step in. A will does not address incapacity and may require a court-appointed guardian to manage your affairs.


The decision whether to include a will or a trust, or a combination of both, in your estate plan should depend on your personal circumstances and your goals. Our team can conduct a careful evaluation of your case to help you make an informed choice.

An irrevocable trust involves transferring ownership of assets out of your estate, which can offer protection from creditors and potential tax benefits. Once established, this type of trust generally cannot be altered, providing a stable structure for asset management. Irrevocable trusts are often used for long-term planning, such as preserving wealth for future generations or qualifying for certain government benefits.

Selecting the right trustee is crucial. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust’s assets and carrying out its terms. This individual or institution should be trustworthy, organized, and capable of making sound financial decisions. At Davies Law Firm, we assist you in evaluating potential trustees, considering factors such as their relationship to you, financial acumen, and ability to act impartially. Our goal is to help you appoint a trustee who will uphold your wishes and manage the trust effectively.

If you’re considering establishing a trust as part of your estate plan, our attorneys offer the knowledge and support needed to help you move forward with confidence. We take the time to understand your objectives and recommend trust structures that protect assets, support your loved ones, and fulfill your long-term intentions.

Our firm proudly serves clients across Central New York, including Onondaga, Madison, Oneida, Cortland, Oswego, and Cayuga counties, as well as nearby communities. We offer practical solutions and personal attention to every trust planning matter.

To discuss how a trust can help meet your estate planning goals, call (315) 472-6511 to schedule a telephone conference.

Factor Will Living Trust
Probate Process Must go through probate, which is public and time-consuming Avoids probate; assets transfer privately and efficiently
Timing of Asset Transfer Takes effect only after death Effective during lifetime (including incapacity) and after death
Privacy Becomes part of public record Remains private; not filed in court
Management During Incapacity Does not address incapacity; court may appoint guardian Successor trustee manages assets seamlessly if you are incapacitated

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Meet Our Team

Frederick P. Davies brings decades of legal service and military leadership to clients seeking guidance in estate planning, living trusts, probate, and elder law.

After graduating from Syracuse University College of Law in 1985, he entered the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he began his career in estate planning and courtroom litigation. His military career spanned nearly three decades across multiple branches, culminating in his role as a senior legal instructor at the Air Force’s legal education center.

In 1993, Mr. Davies established the Davies Law Firm, P.C. in Central New York to focus exclusively on estate and long-term planning. Since then, the firm has grown into a trusted name throughout the region. Mr. Davies is a frequent public speaker, having delivered over 1,000 presentations on topics like Medicaid, taxes, and elder care. He is an active member of several legal and financial associations, including the American Bar Association and the Estate Planning Council of Central New York.

William P. Davies is a partner at the Davies Law Firm, P.C., where he has contributed since his teenage years.

A magna cum laude graduate of Albany Law School, Mr. Davies also holds an L.L.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. Admitted to practice in both New York and Florida, he focuses his legal work on wills, trusts, tax strategies, and estate administration. His scholarly background includes published legal commentary, editorial roles with the Albany Law Review, and a Sponsler Fellowship recognizing academic achievement.

Mr. Davies has presented at legal education events across New York and contributed to continuing education programs for attorneys and financial professionals. His involvement includes speaking on topics such as statutory powers of attorney and probate procedures. He served as President of the Estate Planning Council of Central New York and is an active member of professional organizations including the American and New York State Bar Associations, and the Onondaga County Bar Association. Clients benefit from his academic rigor and commitment to clarity and precision in planning.

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Long-Term Care, Special Needs, and Medicaid Planning

Planning for long-term care and addressing the needs of loved ones with disabilities are essential aspects of estate planning in New York. At Davies Law Firm, we assist families in developing strategies that protect assets, maintain eligibility for benefits, and provide for the well-being of all family members.

Long-term care services, such as nursing home care or in-home assistance, can be financially burdensome. In New York, the cost of a private room in a nursing home can exceed $148,000 annually. Estate planning allows individuals to prepare for these expenses without depleting their assets.

One effective tool is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), an irrevocable trust that can help individuals qualify for Medicaid while preserving assets for their heirs. Transferring assets into a MAPT excludes them from the individual’s estate for Medicaid eligibility purposes, provided the transfer occurs outside of Medicaid’s look-back period.

Additionally, estate planning can incorporate advance directives, such as durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies, to appoint trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions if one becomes incapacitated. These documents are crucial for ensuring that long-term care preferences are honored.

For families with members who have disabilities, it’s vital to plan in a way that provides financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are designed to achieve this balance.

There are two primary types of SNTs in New York:

  • First-Party SNTs: Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, such as an inheritance or personal injury settlement.
  • Third-Party SNTs: Funded with assets from someone other than the beneficiary, typically a parent or grandparent.


Properly structured SNTs allow the beneficiary to receive additional financial support for needs not covered by public benefits, such as education, transportation, and personal care items, without affecting their eligibility.

Medicaid planning involves legally structuring one’s finances to meet Medicaid’s strict income and asset limits while preserving wealth for future generations. In New York, individuals must have limited income and assets to qualify for Medicaid long-term care services. Strategies include:

  • Asset Spend-Down: Using excess assets to pay for allowable expenses, such as home modifications or paying off debts.
  • Irrevocable Trusts: Transferring assets into an irrevocable trust to remove them from one’s estate, provided this is done outside of the look-back period.
  • Spousal Refusal: In certain cases, a non-applicant spouse may legally refuse to contribute their income or assets toward the cost of care, allowing the applicant spouse to qualify for Medicaid.

Each strategy must be carefully considered and implemented in compliance with New York State laws to avoid penalties or disqualification from benefits.

Transition planning for individuals with disabilities involves preparing for changes in care, housing, and financial support as they age or as family circumstances evolve. This includes establishing guardianships, selecting appropriate trustees for SNTs, and creating comprehensive care plans.

A well-thought-out plan addresses:

  • Guardianship: Appointing a legal guardian to make decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so.
  • Trustee Selection: Choosing a trustee who understands the beneficiary’s needs and can manage the trust effectively.
  • Letter of Intent: Documenting the individual’s preferences, routines, and care requirements to guide future caregivers and trustees.

At Davies Law Firm, we work closely with families to develop transition plans that provide peace of mind and continuity of care for loved ones with disabilities.

If you’re seeking guidance on long-term care, special needs, or Medicaid planning in Central New York, Davies Law Firm is here to assist. Our team can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that addresses your unique needs and protects your family’s future.

Contact us at (315) 472-6511 to schedule a telephone conference.

Trusted Experience: Over 10,000 PEOPLE Have Chosen Us to Protect Their Legacy with Living Trusts

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Estate Planning for Tax and Financial Considerations

Effective estate planning is essential for managing tax obligations and preserving the financial well-being of your loved ones. Estate and tax laws can significantly impact the value of the assets you pass on, necessitating thoughtful strategies to reduce unnecessary tax burdens, safeguard wealth, and avoid costly errors.

Estate taxes can take a significant portion of the wealth you intend to leave behind. As of 2025, the New York estate tax exemption is $7.16 million per individual. However, if an estate exceeds this exemption by more than 5%, the entire estate becomes taxable, a situation known as the “estate tax cliff”. Proper planning can help minimize these liabilities and maximize the assets available to your beneficiaries.

Utilizing tools such as revocable living trusts or irrevocable trusts can help reduce taxable estate values. Trusts allow you to transfer assets strategically, potentially lowering the taxable estate while retaining control over how those assets are distributed. Additionally, life insurance trusts can be effective in removing life insurance proceeds from the taxable estate, further reducing the overall tax burden.

Gifting during your lifetime is an effective way to transfer wealth to loved ones while reducing the overall value of your taxable estate. However, while New York does not impose a state gift tax, the federal government does. In 2025, the federal annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per recipient, or $38,000 for married couples. Gifts exceeding these amounts count toward the lifetime gift/estate exemption, which is $13.99 million per individual in 2025.

The annual gift tax exclusion allows you to give a specific amount per recipient each year without incurring federal gift taxes. In addition, certain educational and medical expenses paid directly to the provider are exempt from gift tax calculations. Strategic gifting, when done thoughtfully, can not only reduce your taxable estate but also provide financial support to loved ones when they need it most.

New York’s estate tax laws differ significantly from federal regulations, creating a dual layer of tax considerations for residents. 

As mentioned, the federal gift/estate tax exemption in 2025 is $13.99 million per individual. Estates exceeding this amount are subject to federal estate taxes, with rates ranging from 18% to 40%. On a local scale, New York’s estate tax rates are progressive, ranging from 3.06% to 16% for those that fall off the “estate tax cliff”. Unlike the federal system, New York does not offer portability of the estate tax exemption between spouses.

A thorough understanding of tax laws is critical to avoid unnecessary liabilities. Proper planning may involve structuring trusts, charitable contributions, or other strategies to reduce the taxable estate value while meeting state and federal requirements.

Our team at Davies Law Firm has extensive experience addressing both federal and state tax concerns, helping clients retain as much of their estate as possible for their intended beneficiaries.

Retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, are often among the most valuable assets in an estate. However, improper planning for these accounts can lead to significant tax consequences for beneficiaries.

For example, naming the wrong beneficiary or failing to account for required minimum distributions (RMDs) can result in higher income taxes for heirs. Additionally, new federal rules under the SECURE Act require most non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw the entire account balance within ten years, which can create substantial tax burdens if not planned for appropriately.

Our team at Davies Law Firm helps clients integrate retirement accounts into their estate plans, ensuring beneficiaries are named correctly and withdrawal strategies are designed to minimize tax burdens. Proper planning allows you to pass on these accounts with minimal financial impact on your loved ones.

We are proud to serve individuals and families throughout Central New York, including Onondaga, Madison, Oneida, Cortland, Oswego, and Cayuga counties, as well as the surrounding communities. Our regional focus allows us to address local concerns while delivering tailored legal solutions that stand the test of time.

To begin developing a comprehensive plan that aligns with your values and financial goals, contact our office at (315) 472-6511 to schedule a telephone conference.

International Probate and Estate Administration Guidance

At Davies Law Firm, we understand that managing estates with international elements presents unique challenges. Addressing international concerns requires careful coordination to align with both domestic laws and foreign regulations. We assist clients in developing strategies that respect diverse legal systems while honoring individual intentions.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling ancillary probate proceedings in New York for estates that include foreign assets, as well as working with international counsel to address assets located abroad. We recognize that differing legal concepts, such as forced heirship laws in other countries, can complicate estate administration. Our approach involves thorough analysis and strategic planning to reconcile these differences and facilitate a smooth administration process.

Tax implications are a critical aspect of international estate planning. We assist clients in reviewing applicable tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries to mitigate the risk of double taxation. Our team provides guidance on structuring asset ownership and transfers in a tax-efficient manner, considering the use of trusts or other legal entities to manage and distribute assets effectively.

If your estate planning involves international considerations or if you’re managing an estate with cross-border elements, Davies Law Firm is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs.

Contact us at (315) 472-6511 to schedule a telephone conference.

Fred Davies, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), served as a JAG officer and was the U.S. Air Force’s Estate Planning Subject Matter Expert.

Why Choose Davies Law Firm?

Since 1993, we’ve been assisting Central New Yorkers with estate and tax planning. Led by seasoned attorney Fred Davies, our team emphasizes a client-focused approach, ensuring attentive support and advocacy throughout the estate planning process. We strive to create a welcoming environment where your concerns are heard and addressed with respect.

We believe in clear and straightforward pricing without annual maintenance or recurring fees. Our firm prioritizes consistency and transparency in our billing practices, allowing you to focus on your estate planning goals without financial surprises.

Our commitment to you doesn’t end after your estate plan is in place. We provide ongoing support to our clients whenever circumstances change or questions arise, with guidance from our experienced attorneys available at any stage of the process.

At Davies Law Firm, we can help you protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. Our top-rated Central New York estate planning attorneys offer exceptional legal services aligned with your goals and best interests.

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We’ve Helped Over 10,000 PEOPLE Plan Smarter

Dedicated Support for Your Estate Planning Needs

At Davies Law Firm, we understand that estate planning is more than just a legal process; it’s a deeply personal journey to safeguard your future, your family, and your legacy. When you work with us, you gain more than legal representation; you gain a dedicated partner committed to helping you overcome challenges with compassion, creativity, and care.

No matter your circumstances, we are here to provide thoughtful and effective solutions tailored to your needs. From trust and will planning, probate, Medicaid planning, to international estate concerns, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. We are dedicated to serving our community, including the Onondaga, Madison, Oneida, Cortland, Oswego, and Cayuga counties and surrounding areas.

Take the first step today. Contact Davies Law Firm to schedule a telephone conference and discover how we can help you protect what matters most. Call us at (315) 472-6511 to get started.

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