Long Island attorneys Rob and Sharon Hoskins urge early estate planning and outline PEACE framework

Rob and Sharon Hoskins, cofounders of Hoskins Life Legacy Planning, PC, told BronxNet TV that estate planning is a key tool for protecting family wealth and reducing conflict after a death.

Sharon Hoskins outlined three common misconceptions: that assets automatically pass to spouse or children, that a will alone is sufficient, and that planning is always too costly. "A will is a ticket to court," she said, adding that trusts and beneficiary designations can transfer assets without probate delay.

Rob Hoskins described the firm's PEACE framework — Protection, Education, Assuring legacy, Coordination and Empowerment — and gave examples of how a trust and coordinated documents can prevent family disputes over real property or businesses. He cited a standard seven-month waiting period after an executor is appointed in the New York metropolitan probate process as an example of why planning matters.

The Hoskinses said they offer free twice-monthly workshops and a free consultation after a workshop; their website is listed as www.hoskinsllp.com and their office is in Westbury, Long Island. They encouraged families to start planning early, noting some elements of an estate plan (power of attorney, health-care proxy) can be created as early as age 18.