What Should Retirees in Western NY Include in Their Estate Plan?

If you're retired or nearing retirement in Western New York—especially in Rochester, Brockport, or nearby in Monroe, Orleans, or Genesee County—now is the right time to make sure your estate plan is current and complete. Retirement often changes your financial picture, priorities, and legal needs. Having a solid plan in place gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C., we help retirees across the region ensure their estate documents are ready for the years ahead. Here’s what every retiree should consider including in their estate plan.

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1. A Legally Valid Will

Your will outlines how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Even if you already have a will, it should be reviewed after retirement to make sure it reflects your current finances, family situation, and wishes.

Key points to check:

• Have you named a trustworthy executor?
• Are your named beneficiaries still accurate?
• Have you included personal property or real estate added in recent years?

If you're unsure whether your will still fits your needs, contact us today.

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2. A Living Trust

Many retirees choose to add a living trust to their plan, especially if they own property or want to avoid probate court. A trust lets you transfer assets privately and often more efficiently than a will alone.

Trusts can be especially helpful if you:

• Own a second home or vacation property
• Want to leave money to loved ones in stages
• Need to retain control and full access to your assets that are held in the trust

We can review whether a trust is the right fit for your family and help you set it up properly.

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3. A Health Care Proxy and Living Will

These documents allow someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. A living will outlines your care preferences, and a health care proxy names the person to carry out those choices.

This is especially important as you age, travel, or face new health conditions. Without these forms in place, your family may face tough decisions without knowing your wishes.

We can help make sure these documents reflect your values and are easy to access in an emergency.

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4. Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows a trusted person to handle your financial matters if you're not able to. This includes paying bills, managing investments, and handling real estate. It's a must-have for retirees, especially those managing multiple accounts or property.

Don’t wait until something happens to create this document—by then, it may be too late.

Reach out to our firm today to draft or update your power of attorney.

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5. Updated Beneficiary Designations

Some assets—like retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities and certain bank accounts—typically pass outside of your will. They go directly to the beneficiaries listed on the account. That’s why it’s important to check that those designations are current and consistent with your estate plan.

We often see cases where outdated beneficiaries cause confusion or legal challenges after someone passes away.

We can help coordinate your legal documents and financial accounts to work together.

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6. Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning

Health care expenses can rise quickly in retirement. Planning now for how you’ll pay for long-term care—especially nursing home costs—can protect your assets and ease the burden on your family.

A trust, gifting strategy, or Medicaid plan can help you qualify for aid while keeping more of your estate intact.

Let our team guide you through your options and start planning ahead.

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7. Funeral and Final Wishes

Some retirees prefer to include instructions for their final arrangements in writing. This can include preferences for burial, cremation, or memorial services—and can greatly reduce stress on surviving family members.

Sharing these instruction in your plan and with your loved ones ensures your voice is heard.

Ask us about adding a final wishes statement to your estate plan today.

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Start Your Retirement with Peace of Mind

Getting your estate plan in order doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the help of a trusted law firm like Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C., you can approach the future with clarity and confidence. We proudly serve clients in Rochester, Brockport, and across Western New York, and we make estate planning simple, personal, and affordable.

Contact us today to schedule your estate planning appointment.

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Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about estate planning law in New York State and should not be considered legal advice. Every individual’s situation is different. For guidance specific to your needs, please contact the attorneys at Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C. in Brockport, NY. Portions of this article may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under 22 NYCRR Part 1200. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.