Qualifying New Yorkers will receive no-cost help from pro bono attorneys and law schools to draft wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies

City Hall, NY – This October, the New York City Council is collaborating with local law schools and pro bono attorneys to offer free estate planning services to qualified participants – New York City residents age 50 and older with annual incomes less than $100,000. Eligible New Yorkers must fill out the pre-screening questionnaire by October 1 to secure a spot at one of the five intake sessions across the city. During in-person intake sessions in all five boroughs, participants will receive assistance with drafting wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies at no cost.

Speaker Adrienne Adams proposed the idea of offering free estate planning services to combat deed theft in her State of the City address earlier this year. The Speaker highlighted the need to protect homeownership, especially in communities of color that have been targeted by predatory financial practices. Homeownership is a critical pathway for working- and middle-class families to remain in the city, close wealth gaps, and contribute to the success of their communities. Providing estate planning services like the preparation of a will, delegation of power of attorney, or determination of a healthcare proxy are important steps towards making sure homeowners’ assets are protected and their wishes are followed and properly executed.

Black and Latino homeowners have disproportionately been subjected to predatory actions and financing that threaten the loss and transfer of wealth. Recently, there has been a rise in real estate speculators engaging in acts of deed theft through exploitative practices, targeting homeowners and heirs in communities of color. Although the practices can sometimes be technically legal, they exploit the lack of estate planning, increase the racial wealth gap, and exacerbate gentrification. Supporting older adults with estate planning services can help protect vulnerable New Yorkers from deed theft and other potential risks.

Eligible New Yorkers must fill out the pre-screening questionnaire by October 1 to secure a spot at one of the five intake sessions across the city:

  • Manhattan
    • Monday, October 7, 2pm – 8pm
    • Goddard Riverside Community Center, 593 Columbus Avenue 
  • Queens
    • Tuesday October 8, 9am – 6pm
    • YWCA of Queens, 42-07 Parsons Blvd 
  • Brooklyn
    • Wednesday October 9, Noon – 8pm
    • 111 Livingston Street, 21st Floor, Brooklyn 
  • Bronx
    • Tuesday October 15, Noon – 8pm
    • NYPL Bronx Library Center at 310 E Kingsbridge Rd
  • Staten Island
    • Wednesday October 16, 9am – 4pm
    • Staten Island Museum on 1000 Richmond Ter

“Providing resources to working- and middle-class families to protect their hard-earned assets is key to making generational wealth possible,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “In my 2024 State of the City address, I announced a Council-led initiative to offer free estate planning services in partnership with law schools and pro-bono clinics. We are proud to host a series of sessions to help qualifying New Yorkers ages 50 and older with an income under $100,000 with preparing their will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and more. I encourage all New Yorkers who qualify to apply by October 1st!”

“Estate planning is key to protecting your loved ones and ensuring that your wishes are honored,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “Drafting a will and other key documents provides peace of mind, knowing that your legacy is secure, and your family is cared for. I encourage my constituents to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to ensure your health and wealth are protected.”

“Estate planning is a crucial step for families in all five boroughs to secure their financial future and build generational wealth,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “By taking proactive measures through workshops like these we empower our communities to thrive, ensuring that hard-earned assets are passed down and benefit future generations. Thank you, Speaker Adams, for pushing this initiative forward to prioritize our working families.”

“Estate planning is critical to ensuring our community cares for our loved ones and builds generational wealth, but estate planning services are often inaccessible and unaffordable,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “The New York City Council’s free estate planning information and consultation service is an incredible opportunity for New Yorkers to get their estate in order without paying exorbitant costs. I am proud to co-sponsor this initiative and encourage all residents to see if they qualify for this excellent public service!”

“Many older adults reach their twilight years without a plan in place to ensure their hard-earned assets are protected,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the Committee on Aging. “One out of every three older adults age seventy or older does not have a will or trust to ensure the proper distribution of their assets when they pass. Notably, deed theft is an existential threat to the wellbeing of our communities, particularly Black and brown older adults in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods. However, there are tangible actions we can take to protect our older adults and protect them from predatory speculators and scammers. The citywide estate planning workshops organized by Speaker Adams make estate planning more accessible to more people, and I urge all New Yorkers to consider these crucial workshops as a resource to safeguard their generational wealth. At the same time, there are legislative solutions we can take, specifically to address the issue of deed theft, most notably Int. 888 and Int. 889, which would provide greater protections and oversight for long-time homeowners at greatest risk of deed theft. I look forward to continue working alongside Speaker Adams to curb deed theft in our communities.”

“Estate planning is a critical component of financial literacy that holds immense importance for our communities,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “It’s not just about distributing assets—it’s about protecting the future of our families and creating a foundation for generational wealth. Without proper planning, much of what we’ve worked hard to build can be lost or mismanaged. By offering access to estate planning services across all five boroughs, especially for New Yorkers over 50 earning under $100K, we ensure more families can secure their legacies and foster economic stability for generations to come.”

“The Disability Rights and Social Justice Clinic at CUNY School of Law is very excited to partner with the NYC Council pilot program,” said Natalie M. Chin, Associate Professor of Law and Director Disability Rights and Social Justice Clinic, City University of New York School of Law. “The Estate Planning Clinic empowers older adults to take control of some of the most critical aspects of their life – health care decision and financial planning. It provides law students with a unique opportunity to engage in community-based advocacy that intersects with disability, aging, and securing an individual’s ability to maintain autonomy and self-determination over their life.”

“As a provider of free, civil legal services in New York City, NYLAG sees firsthand how a lack of affordable estate planning contributes to the loss of homeownership and intergenerational wealth for families of modest means and especially in communities of color. NYLAG is proud to partner with the Speaker’s Office on the Estate Planning Day initiative, which will help low-income New Yorkers access estate planning legal services to protect their assets, make their wishes known, and plan for incapacity,” said Maria Hunter Director, Public Benefits Unit, New York Legal Assistance Group.

“Generational wealth can be maintained with the right resources and estate planning. The systems that reinforce generational wealth are typically inaccessible to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. I’m excited about the Estate Planning Clinic because it provides access to these resources for all New Yorkers, particularly low-income elderly New Yorkers,” said Aissatou Barry, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Housing Justice Clinic, Brooklyn Law School’s Housing Justice Clinic. “Brooklyn Law School’s Housing Justice Clinic is honored to be a part of such a forward-thinking project. Homeowners get the opportunity to protect their wealth, and students get to practice their lawyering skills by participating in pro bono projects supported by the Public Service Law Center at Brooklyn Law School.”

“Through this program, our clinic will contribute to expanding access to crucial planning documents,” said Lauren Chasnow, a second-year law student in Cardozo School of Law.

“The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is pleased to join forces in this offering to the community to help individuals to preserve the wealth to the next generation, given that generational wealth building usually takes a generation or two.  We do so also in the spirit of celebrating those who are in a position to do so, after working hard for themselves and their families,” said Akilah N. Folami, Professor of Law, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

“VOLS is grateful to the New York City Council for the opportunity to support older adults and veterans of Staten Island with free life planning services.  The decision to have your will and advanced directives in place is a gift our clients give to themselves and those closest to them. It helps ensure that a clients’ wishes for medical and financial decisions are clear and legally enforceable. This is critical support for older adults and their loved ones,” said Elisa Tustian, Director, VOLS Senior Law Project.

“Growing older is hard enough without having to navigate a complicated legal system to protect your health and your assets,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “As a city, we have a responsibility to support our older adults as they plan for their futures. This collaboration between the New York City Council and legal experts will provide peace of mind to families at a time when they need it most.”

“Everyone deserves the chance to retire in dignity and set their families up with a foundation for generations to come. I’m grateful the council is stepping up to provide estate planning resources for middle- and working-class neighbors. I encourage everyone eligible to attend,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés.

“Protecting our health and assets as we age, are some of the most important steps we can take to prepare for the future. To ensure that we are best prepared, we must also be well informed on what’s involved in estate planning to ensure a secure future,” said Council Member Chris Banks. “This series of estate planning workshops being offered by the Office of New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, is essential to protect the future of many of the city’s residents, including many in Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District who seek to create a secure future for themselves and their loved ones. I would like to thank Speaker Adams for spearheading these educational information sessions which I strongly encourage residents of Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District to take full advantage of.”

“A large portion of my constituents in Upper Manhattan are elderly, many without access to estate planning resources or knowledge of what estate planning is. By educating our communities and providing free, inclusive legal services we ensure our aging population is protected in the long-term and informed about their rights,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.

“Estate planning is crucial to ensure that families are cared for in the future. It’s a conversation we don’t have often enough, but we need to. Leave your loved ones with cherished memories, not financial difficulties,” said Council Member Kamillah Hanks.

“For too long, Black and brown families have faced historical exclusion from estate planning services, limiting their opportunities to build generational wealth,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I’m deeply grateful that Speaker Adams is expanding access to these services through pro bono consultations, ensuring that all working New Yorkers can secure a legacy in our city.”

“The New York City Council’s new estate planning initiative is critically important to empower families to protect their assets and secure their futures. As a representative of a deeply diverse district with a substantial population of homeowners and families, it is imperative that we prioritize the growth of generational wealth in the middle class,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis. “By expanding access to estate planning resources, this initiative will help more families in communities like Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, and Flatlands preserve their homes and legacies for future generations. I applaud Speaker Adrienne Adams for leading this effort and look forward to promoting it to ensure my district’s residents take full advantage of this transformative opportunity.”

“I’m grateful to Speaker Adams for organizing and convening these estate planning events for New Yorkers. It’s critical that we are all aware of our options of how to protect our health, our future, and our family,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.

“As a city, we are committed to providing all New Yorkers with the tools and resources they need to secure their futures and protect their loved ones. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it’s an essential step that every family should take to ensure their wishes are honored,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “By hosting these events across our city, we’re making it easier for residents from all backgrounds to access critical information and expert guidance. I encourage everyone to attend and take advantage of these free resources to plan for tomorrow, today.”

“Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s a vital tool for everyone,” said Council Member Althea Stevens. “By providing our communities with accessible resources and expert guidance, we empower individuals to take control of their futures. These events are essential in ensuring that every family understands their options and can make informed decisions that will benefit them for years to come.”

“Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to spare their family or loved ones from having to make difficult decisions about your assets, your medical care, or even the care of your minor children in the event of your death or if you become physically unable to act on your own behalf,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “By taking the time to plan now, while you’re healthy, you can ensure that these decisions will be made according to your wishes. I am pleased to announce one of the free estate planning consultations will take place in my district on October 8. This is an important opportunity for many of our residents to take steps to secure their future and protect their loved ones. I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for the foresight to partner with law schools and pro bono attorney to provide this invaluable service.”

“As we work to ensure all New Yorkers have access to essential services, providing free estate planning consultations and education to those over 50 is a critical step in protecting their financial well-being and ensuring peace of mind,” said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “By partnering with law schools and pro bono clinics across the City, the NYC Council and Speaker Adams are empowering individuals to secure their assets, plan for the future, and make their wishes known. This initiative reflects our commitment to equity and care for New Yorkers, helping them navigate the complexities of estate planning without financial burden.”

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