Do I need a lawyer for a will in NY?

The short answer is no. You do not need a lawyer for a will in New York. However, it is a good idea to have a lawyer involved, especially if you have a complicated estate or you have concerns about how your will might be handled in the future. A lawyer can help you account for complex assets, offer advice on taxes that may affect your estate, set up trusts, and structure your will to meet your goals. If you have concerns as to how executors or inheritors might handle your will or whether your will might be contested, a lawyer can answer your questions and help draft a will that heads off problems.