Wills Attorney in Buffalo, NY

Estate Planning Across Western New York & the Southern Tier

Protect Your Wishes. Provide for the People You Love.

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and make your wishes known.


At VanDette Law PLLC, we help individuals and families throughout Buffalo and Western New York prepare legally sound wills that reflect their priorities, protect their loved ones, and provide direction for the future.



Whether you're creating your first will or updating an existing document, our attorneys make the process clear, personal, and manageable.

  • Property division and marital asset evaluation
  • Spousal support (maintenance) negotiations
  • Child custody and parenting schedules
  • Child support calculations
  • Court filings, hearings, and settlement conferences
  • Mediation or litigation when necessary
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Why You Need a Wills Attorney in Buffalo, NY

Without a valid will, New York law generally determines how assets passing through your estate are distributed. That result may not reflect your personal wishes or your family's circumstances.


A carefully prepared will allows you to identify beneficiaries, select an executor, and address important matters such as guardianship for minor children.


We help you consider the details that matter and prepare estate planning documents that meet New York's legal requirements.

Will Preparation & Estate Planning Services

Last Will & Testament Preparation

We help prepare wills that clearly document how you want your estate handled after your death.

Updating Existing Wills

Marriage, divorce, children, changes in assets, and other life events may create reasons to review your existing will.

Naming Executors

We help you understand the responsibilities of an executor and choose someone you trust to carry out your instructions.

Guardianship Planning for Minor Children

Parents can use a will to nominate a guardian for minor children if needed, subject to court approval.

Beneficiary & Asset Planning

We help identify how your will fits with beneficiary designations, jointly owned property, and other components of your estate plan.

Coordinating Wills With Trusts

For some families, combining a will with one or more trusts may provide additional planning options.

Why Choose VanDette Law PLLC for Will Preparation?

  • Personal Attention

    We take time to understand your family, circumstances, and goals.

  • Direct Access to an Attorney

    Your estate planning questions receive thoughtful legal guidance.

  • Clear, Straightforward Explanations

    We explain legal documents in language you can understand.

  • Customized Estate Planning

    Your will should reflect your life—not a generic template.

  • Local Western New York Representation

    We proudly serve families in Buffalo, Dunkirk, and the Southern Tier.

When Should You Create or Update Your Will?

You don't need to be retired or have substantial wealth to benefit from a will. If you own property, have children, or want a say in how your assets are distributed, estate planning deserves consideration.

Major life events, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a named beneficiary, are also good reasons to review existing documents.

How the Will Preparation Process Works

Step 1 — Free Consultation

We discuss your family, assets, and estate planning priorities.

Step 2 — Review Your Wishes

We identify beneficiaries, executor preferences, guardianship considerations, and related planning needs.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Will

We draft documents tailored to your circumstances and New York law.

Step 4 — Review & Execute

We explain the final documents and guide you through proper signing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a will if I don't have many assets?

    A will can be useful regardless of estate size, especially when you want to identify beneficiaries, select an executor, or nominate a guardian for minor children.

  • What happens if I die without a will in New York?

    Assets subject to intestate succession are generally distributed according to New York law rather than your personal instructions.

  • Does having a will avoid probate?

    Not necessarily. A will generally must be admitted to probate when a formal probate proceeding is required.

  • Can I change my will after signing it?

    Yes. A person with the necessary legal capacity may change or revoke a will in accordance with New York law.

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Serving Buffalo, Dunkirk & Western New York Families

VanDette Law PLLC assists individuals and families with will preparation throughout Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Niagara Counties.

Make Your Wishes Clear. Give Your Family Peace of Mind.

A properly prepared will can help your loved ones understand your decisions and navigate the future with greater clarity. Let VanDette Law help you put the right plan in place.