Trusts, Estates, and Related Private-Client Matters
Our practice is focused on trusts and estates, including estate planning, trust settlement, probate, and estate administration, with an emphasis on thoughtful planning and careful execution. We also advise clients on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, settlement-oriented divorce matters, and related family law issues that intersect with estate and financial planning.
Selected matters also involve residential real estate and closely held business interests, and we provide discreet, coordinated representation so legal strategies remain aligned across family, asset, and tax considerations.
Estate Planning
Whether a client requires a foundational estate plan or a more sophisticated structure, we provide careful guidance tailored to personal, family, and financial objectives. Thoughtful estate planning allows individuals to control the disposition of assets, minimize tax exposure, and provide for family—by birth or by choice—rather than leaving those decisions to default New York law, which can produce unintended and undesirable outcomes.
Probate Proceedings
When a person passes away with a Will and probate assets held in their individual name, the estate must proceed through the New York Surrogate’s Court in the county of domicile. During probate, the court determines the validity of the Will and, if admitted, issues authority to the nominated fiduciaries to administer the estate in accordance with its terms.
We understand that probate often follows a loss, and that legal responsibilities arise at a time when families are already under strain. Our role is to guide executors and beneficiaries through the process with clarity, organization, and steady support—handling procedural requirements, court filings, and potential issues so clients can focus on what matters most during a difficult period.
Trust Settlement
Trusts are an increasingly common planning vehicle in New York, particularly revocable trusts, which many clients use to maintain control during life while avoiding the public and often burdensome probate process at death. Properly structured trusts offer privacy, continuity of management, and a seamless transition of authority to trustees and beneficiaries. We advise on the creation, administration, and settlement of trusts—including revocable trusts, special needs trusts, and, in appropriate circumstances, irrevocable trusts—and have been appointed to serve as trustee in complex, high-value matters requiring discretion and judgment. While trusts are often discussed in the context of asset protection, we provide clear guidance on what trusts can and cannot accomplish under New York law, helping clients implement structures that are legally sound, realistic, and aligned with long-term planning objectives.
Administration & Small Estate Proceedings
When a person dies without a will or trust, estate administration is governed by New York intestacy law, which determines asset distribution based strictly on familial relationships. We represent fiduciaries and family members in administration proceedings, including small estate and voluntary administration matters, helping to efficiently marshal assets, obtain court authority where required, and resolve estate issues with minimal disruption. Our goal is to provide structure and guidance during what is often a complex and time-sensitive process.
Marital Agreements
Marital agreements are a critical planning tool for clients with significant assets, business interests, or complex financial lives who require careful, forward-looking structuring. We regularly advise on Prenuptial Agreements and Postnuptial Agreements designed to address asset protection, income, business interests, and estate rights with precision and discretion. Our work in this area is highly selective and deliberate, reflecting the reality that these agreements must be thoughtfully calibrated to withstand scrutiny and serve long-term objectives. We also counsel clients on separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, and settlement-focused divorce matters where financial clarity and resolution—not litigation—are the priority.
Thoughtful Planning
Disciplined Legal Judgment
Experience With Diverse Family Structures
Direct, Principal-Led Representation
Stay Informed & Be Prepared
Recent Insights
We believe informed clients make better decisions. Through our blog and periodic updates, we share commentary on developments in trusts and estates, fiduciary matters, and related private-client issues—both during active engagements and beyond—so clients remain informed as laws and circumstances evolve.
Your Dedicated Law Office
We combine a mastery of trusts and estates law with related practice areas to deliver highly tailored legal strategies. Our approach is grounded in careful listening, disciplined analysis, and a focus on tax efficiency, risk management, and long-term objectives.
The practice is led personally by Jason D. Jones, ensuring direct attorney involvement at every stage—whether planning for the future, administering estates, or navigating sensitive family and fiduciary matters. Our role is to provide steady, experienced counsel that brings structure, and calm decision-making to matters that are often legally complex and personally significant.
We Care
We approach estate, family, and fiduciary matters with discretion and sensitivity, recognizing that sound legal judgment must account for personal and family dynamics.
We Follow Up
We remain attentive to legal and tax developments that may affect a client’s planning, helping ensure strategies remain aligned with evolving laws and circumstances.
We Serve
Clients receive direct, attentive counsel from a principal-led practice committed to thoughtful preparation, responsiveness, and consistently high professional standards.
Connect With Counsel
All inquiries are handled with discretion and reviewed directly by counsel.
Trusted New York Counsel for Domestic and International Clients
"Working with attorney Jason D. Jones on our wills and trusts was the best decision we could have made for our peace of mind and future security. Jason simplified a complicated process and made implementing it very easy to follow and surprisingly doable."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason Jones provided estate planning services for me. Mr. Jones was succinct, efficient, courteous and a good communicator. He answered my questions thoroughly and clearly. His courtesy was impeccable. He responded quickly to my needs and wrapped up my project in a very timely manner."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"We hired Jason to create our will and he was very professional, friendly, thorough and detailed. We were very happy with our experience and would recommend Jason to friends and family."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Working with Jason was easy. The whole process was explained. He was easy to communicate with and discuss my concerns. Always available."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"I had the pleasure of working with Jason on creating a trust for my family. I had interviewed several other estate attorneys but immediately felt comfortable with Jason’s demeanor and knowledge."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
“We loved working with Jason. He is extremely professional, patient and responsive. He takes great care and pride in the work he does. We were fairly clueless about what exactly estate, trust and wills entailed - Jason helped us through every step and and also kept us on track.”
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Trusted By Clients Across New York
“My experience with Jason Jones was swift and efficient. He made sure we understood the validity of our estate and even went above and beyond by researching other concerns for us as well. We will definitely be using his services again.”
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Trusted By Clients Across New York
"The process took approximately three weeks and could not have been easier. Jason was well-informed and readily available to answer all of our questions. We have already referred two neighbors and a family member to Jason and will continue to do so without hesitation."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason worked within our desired time frame, and we could not be happier with Jason's level of service and professionalism. We highly recommend Jason."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason Jones is a professional rarity; authentic, highly ethical, insightful and uniquely skilled in managing any legal or even personal challenge."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason is genuinely an amazing attorney and I feel extremely privileged to have met him."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"My Experience with Mr. Jason Jones has been outstanding in many ways. His knowledge of the LGBTQ partnerships and legal issues are extraordinary and unmatched."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Mr. Jones was generous with his time and knowledge, followed up consistently to keep us on track, and made us feel confident and secure in our understanding of the important legal documents we signed. We recommend him highly and look forward to working with him in the future."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason is wonderful. I'm grateful for everything he has already done for my family. He's a kind and talented attorney who has made my life so much easier. I can't recommend him enough!"
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"My family and I had the pleasure of working with Jason. Jason took the time to speak with my family and address all of their concerns in plain simple English."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Excellent service. Mr. Jones is extremely knowledgeable and courteous. He explains the law with great clarity, so there is no guesswork. He invites questions and provides detailed answers. I highly recommend his expert legal counsel!"
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason was so kind, timely, and professional. I would highly recommend him for his services."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason is great at what he does. He is patient, and thorough while he walks you through each step. I had to update my will. He did everything through zoom to make life easy. I will use him again!"
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason was very responsive to our questions and followed up regarding our special needs trust."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason was a pleasure to deal with - patient and thorough, and I would highly recommend him!"
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Very professional, thorough research, and clear communication. Went above and beyond with regards to availability. Sharp attention to detail."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason Jones is a wonderful attorney and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him!!"
Trusted By Clients Across New York
"Jason was a format colleague whom I have recently reconnected with, and have engaged him to prepare my Will and to serve as Executor for my estate. On both the personal and professional side, he is first class plus."
Trusted By Clients Across New York
I chose Jason as my estate lawyer when my mother passed in 2022. He was beyond incredible to work with from start to finish. Kind, responsive, caring and patient, he led me through the stressful process of becoming executor of my mom’s estate with clarity and poise...A wonderfully helpful attorney.