What is the benefit of forming an estate in New York?

There probably isn't much a purpose, but instead, you should consider putting things in joint names, so they pass by operation of law upon either parties' death, without having to put it through Probate. However, it would be a good idea to at least go through the whole thing with a competent attorney just to make sure ahead oftime that it willwork later. Plus, it is a good idea to have all theancillary documents, such asa Power of Attorney, a health care proxy andthe rest of them in place beforehand.