Understanding Revocable Trusts In New York
Last updated on October 13, 2026
As your family, finances and responsibilities change, your estate plan may need to change with them. A new marriage, a growing family, a new home or simply a desire to organize your affairs can all be reasons to consider how your assets will be managed. A revocable trust can give you greater control over your assets while you are living while creating a plan for their later distribution.
At Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, we create estate plans around each family’s assets and goals. Our attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience to estate and long-term care planning, and six attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers. As New York’s elder law team, we serve families in Westchester County and throughout the region.
Revocable Trusts And Their Benefits
A trust creates a structure for managing assets for the people or organizations you name as beneficiaries. You can set its terms, name beneficiaries and designate who will manage the trust assets.
A revocable trust lets you retain significant control during your lifetime. A New York revocable living trust may give you a structured way to:
- Retain control over trust assets
- Plan how you want to distribute assets to your beneficiaries
- Provide for loved ones, including minor children
- Adapt your plan as your circumstances change
The right structure depends on your assets, family circumstances and goals. Our attorneys can discuss whether a revocable trust fits your broader estate plan.
A Revocable Trust Can Be Part Of A Larger Plan
A revocable trust is not only for older adults. Young families may also use one to plan for the management of assets for minor children, while established adults may use one to organize their assets and provide for their loved ones.
A revocable trust can also work alongside other New York estate planning documents.
- A will can address property and other matters not covered by the trust.
- A healthcare proxy can name someone to make medical decisions if you cannot make them yourself.
- A power of attorney can authorize someone to act for you in financial matters.
Because these documents address different needs, your estate plan should consider how they fit together. The right combination will depend on your family, assets and the decisions you want to plan for.
When A Revocable Trust Is Not Enough
A revocable trust gives you the ability to retain control over your assets and change the trust as your circumstances change. But some forms of asset protection require a different structure. Certain irrevocable trusts, for example, may provide different protections than a revocable trust, including potential benefits in Medicaid planning.
Because an irrevocable trust can limit your control over the assets you transfer to it, the decision involves weighing different priorities. If long-term care costs or asset protection are concerns, the type of trust you choose and the timing of transfers can affect your planning options.
Our estate planning lawyers can explain the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, and discuss how those options may fit your circumstances and long-term goals.
Build An Estate Plan Around What Matters To You
Your estate plan should reflect your family, assets and goals. If you are considering a revocable trust, a Westchester County revocable trust attorney at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, can discuss your options and how a trust may fit into your broader plan. Secure your legacy today.
Call our White Plains office at 914-269-2367 or send us an email.
