Planning and Estates Law Project

Planning and Estates Law Project

To get help from the Planning and Estates Law Project, call 212-382-6756.
Overview

The Planning and Estates Law Project (PELP) of the City Bar Justice Center offers free legal assistance  with end-of-life planning, probate, and estates matters to New York City residents with limited resources.

PELP aims to combat poverty by helping clients who cannot afford to hire a private attorney claim the inheritances to which they are entitled and protect the assets that they have worked hard to accumulate. Our goal is to empower clients to claim and maintain these assets so that wealth, rather than poverty, is inherited between generations.

PELP’s attorney panel is led by Chair Pamela Ehrenkranz (Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz) and Vice Chair Glenn Opell (Schram Graber & Opell P.C.). Libby Vazquez of the City Bar Justice Center oversees PELP. Lynn Chen is the staff attorney and Nancy Larcher is the senior project coordinator.

Please note that PELP cannot provide representation in court or assist with contested matters.


Not sure if this is the right project? Contact our free Legal Hotline at 212-626-7383.

Apply Online

You can apply online for assistance from the Planning and Estates Law Project.

Resources:

With the pandemic continuing to impede our ability to conduct face-to-face meetings, some New Yorkers are now executing their Last Will and Testament remotely. The Trusts, Estates & Surrogate’s Court Committee has drafted a model attestation clause for use by those who bear witness to wills by live video conference.
Model Attestation Clause (docx)(pdf)

Aging in Place: What Documents Do I Need and What Happens After My Death

Guide to New York City Surrogate’s Courts

Legal Guidance on Disposition of Remains

Latest news
Upcoming events
  • NELP Small Business Remote Legal Clinic

    A small business virtual legal clinic will be held over Zoom in partnership with the Pace University Small Business Development Center. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.

  • NELP Small Business Remote Legal Clinic

    A small business virtual legal clinic will be held over Zoom for Financial Institution Pro Bono Day. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.