Your foundation is solid —
but even strong plans have hidden gaps.
You've done more than most. Your estate plan covers the basics — but a few critical areas still need attention to make sure your family never ends up in court.
You're ahead of most people
Having a trust-based plan puts you in the top tier. Your home, your kids, and your finances all have some level of protection — that's not nothing.
The majority of families in your income bracket are still relying on a will alone, which means probate court. You've avoided that.
These gaps still need attention
- Is your trust fully funded? A trust that isn't funded is just paperwork. Your home, accounts and assets need to actually be titled inside the trust.
- When did you last review it? Life changes (new home, new child, divorce, new job) can make even a well-crafted plan obsolete quickly.
- Are your documents state-compliant? If you've moved states, your documents may not be legally valid where you live now.
What "Well Protected" families do next to bulletproof their plan
In this short video, Monique explains the two most common mistakes even well-planned estates make — and the one 15-minute step that closes those gaps permanently.
You have a plan — but there are
real gaps that could cost your family.
You're not starting from zero. But the gaps in your current setup could mean court delays, unexpected costs, and decisions being made for your family — not by them.
A will alone won't keep your family out of probate
If your plan is will-based only, your estate will go through probate court. In NY, that process averages $30,000–$45,000 in fees and 12–18 months of waiting — even with a valid will.
Your family can't access your home, bank accounts, or assets during that time. A trust changes everything.
Here's what could go wrong
- Your home could be tied up in court for 12–18 months while your family waits for probate to close. Mortgage still runs.
- Bank accounts may be frozen. Without the right access documents, your spouse or family can't pay bills while the estate settles.
- Your documents may be outdated. Laws, family circumstances, and assets change. An old plan can create more problems than no plan.
The difference between a will and a trust — and why it matters for your family
Monique breaks down exactly what your current plan is missing, what probate actually costs a family like yours, and the fastest path to closing these gaps.
Your family has no legal protection
if something happens today.
Without a plan in place, your assets, your home, and your children's future are subject to court decisions — not yours. The good news: this is completely fixable.
Without a plan, the state decides — not you
If you pass away today with no estate plan, a judge will decide who raises your children, who gets your home, and how your money is distributed. That process is called intestate succession — and it rarely matches what families actually want.
Your surviving spouse, your parents, and your children may all have competing legal claims. It can take years.
What your family faces without action
- A judge names your children's guardian. Not you. The court decides who raises your kids if you and your partner are both gone.
- Your home gets frozen in probate — potentially for 18+ months. No access. Costs continue.
- Bank accounts blocked. Your family may be unable to pay bills or access savings without a court order.
- Probate fees of $30K–$45K+ come directly out of the estate — before your family receives a dollar.
What happens to families with no plan — and how to fix yours today
Monique walks you through what "no plan" really means for your family legally, and the simple steps to get protected — starting this week.
Book Your Free 30-Minute
Family Protection Review
Get a straight answer from Attorney Monique Pinto about what your family needs — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a clear picture of where you stand and what it takes to fix it.
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