Estate Planning Services Across Every Stage of Your Plan

Every client arrives with a different situation. Some need a comprehensive estate plan built from the ground up. Others need to address a specific concern — a taxable estate, a business succession, a family member with special needs. We offer seven clearly defined practice areas so you can identify where to start without sorting through services that don't apply to you.


We serve individuals, families, and business owners across New York, New Jersey, and Florida, with offices in Huntington, Manhattan, and Red Bank.

Seven Practice Areas. One Firm.

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Estate Planning

A well-drafted estate plan does more than distribute assets — it reflects your values, reduces conflict, and gives your family clarity when they need it most. Our estate planning work covers wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and the full range of documents that form a complete plan.

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Estate Tax and Gift Tax Planning

For clients with taxable estates, the difference between a thoughtful plan and an unexamined one can be measured in millions. We work with high-net-worth and ultra-wealthy individuals to structure transfers that minimize federal and state estate and gift tax exposure — using strategies that go well beyond basic documents.

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Charitable Planning

For clients who want their estate to reflect a commitment to causes they care about, charitable planning creates structures that accomplish philanthropic goals while also producing tax advantages. We work with clients to integrate charitable giving into a broader estate plan in a way that makes sense for their situation.

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Business Succession Planning

Transferring a business to the next generation — or to a key employee or outside buyer — requires planning that accounts for ownership structure, tax consequences, and the continuity of what you've built. We help business owners design succession strategies that work on their timeline, not a default one.

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Estate Administration and Probate

When a loved one passes, the legal process that follows can be unfamiliar and time-consuming. We guide executors and administrators through every step of estate administration and probate in New York and New Jersey, from filing the initial petition through final distribution.

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Elder Law & Special Needs Planning

Long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, and planning for a loved one with a disability each require specialized knowledge — and mistakes can cost families the very benefits they're counting on. We help you get it right, before a crisis narrows the options.

Not Sure Where Your Situation Fits?

That's a reasonable place to start. Many of our clients come to us knowing they need to plan — but uncertain which services apply to them. A consultation gives us the opportunity to understand your circumstances and identify the areas most relevant to your plan. There's no obligation to pursue services that aren't a fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What areas of law does an estate planning firm handle?

    A full-service estate planning firm typically covers wills and trusts, estate and gift tax planning, business succession, estate administration and probate, elder law, special needs planning, and charitable planning. These areas often overlap — a single client's plan may draw on several of them.

  • Do I need more than a will?

    For many clients, yes. A will addresses asset distribution at death but doesn't reduce estate taxes, plan for incapacity, coordinate beneficiary designations, or address long-term care. A complete plan usually involves several coordinated documents and, depending on the size of the estate, tax planning strategies as well.

  • Does Schanker and Schanker serve clients outside of Long Island?

    Yes. We serve clients across New York State, in New Jersey, and work with snowbird clients who have ties to Florida. Our offices in Huntington, Manhattan, and Red Bank allow us to meet clients in person across our primary service area.

  • What if I already have an estate plan — do I still need to consult an attorney?

    Plans that haven't been reviewed in several years may not reflect current tax law, changes in your family structure, or shifts in your assets. We regularly work with clients who have existing documents that need to be updated or restructured.

  • How do I know which practice area applies to my situation?

    You don't need to know before reaching out. A consultation is designed to help us understand your circumstances and identify the planning areas most relevant to you. Most clients find that one or two areas are central to their situation, with others playing a supporting role.