Estate Planning for the “Sandwich Generation”: Protecting Children, Supporting Parents, and Securing Your Family’s Future

By Jessica Klersy • 01/08/2026

Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation in New York

How Multigenerational Families Can Protect Their Loved Ones and Their Future

Many New Yorkers today find themselves caring for two generations at once—supporting growing children while also assisting aging parents. This group, commonly referred to as the “sandwich generation,” faces a unique combination of emotional, financial, and legal pressures. Balancing competing responsibilities often leaves little time to plan, yet thoughtful estate planning is one of the most effective ways to create stability and peace of mind for the entire family.

At Klersy Law, P.C., we work closely with families throughout Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), the Bronx, and Westchester County to develop comprehensive estate plans that address the realities of multigenerational caregiving while protecting long-term goals.

Understanding the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

Members of the sandwich generation are often managing demanding careers while simultaneously:

Raising minor or young adult children
Assisting aging parents with medical, financial, or daily living needs
Preparing for potential incapacity or long-term care issues
Planning for their own retirement and financial security

These overlapping responsibilities can create uncertainty, particularly when unexpected illness, cognitive decline, or emergencies arise. Without proper legal planning, families may face unnecessary court involvement, delays in decision-making, or conflict during already stressful times.

Planning for the Unexpected With Essential Legal Documents

A well-crafted estate plan ensures that critical decisions remain in trusted hands if you or a loved one becomes unable to act independently. Foundational estate planning documents include:

Durable Powers of Attorney
Health Care Proxies
Living Wills / Advance Directives
HIPAA Authorizations

These documents allow designated individuals to manage financial and medical decisions without court intervention. Creating these documents for yourself—and encouraging aging parents and adult children to do the same—can help avoid costly and time-consuming guardianship proceedings in New York.

Working with an experienced New York estate planning attorney ensures that these documents are properly drafted, legally valid, and tailored to your family’s needs.

Reducing Future Stress Through Clear Family Communication

Estate planning is most effective when paired with open and ongoing communication. While these conversations may feel uncomfortable, they are essential for preventing confusion and disputes later. Clear discussions help family members understand:

Who is responsible for financial and medical decisions
Preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care
Expectations around financial support or caregiving roles
Long-term goals and legacy wishes

As circumstances change—such as declining parental health, the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, or major financial shifts—your estate plan should be reviewed and updated with a qualified estate planning and elder law attorney in New York.

Strategic Estate Planning Tools for Multigenerational Families

An effective estate plan for the sandwich generation balances present caregiving obligations with future planning for children and personal financial security.

Trust Planning

Trusts can provide flexibility by allowing you to support aging parents while preserving assets for children. Properly structured trusts may also help streamline asset management, reduce probate exposure, and provide continuity during incapacity.

Tax-Efficient Planning Strategies

Strategic gifting and direct payment of medical or educational expenses can support loved ones while minimizing tax consequences. These approaches help families maximize available resources without jeopardizing long-term financial stability.

Asset Protection Planning

With proper planning, assets intended for your children’s future can be protected from unexpected caregiving costs, long-term care expenses, or medical bills. Asset protection strategies are particularly important for families navigating elder care in New York.

Planning Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow

For the sandwich generation, proactive estate planning is not a luxury—it is a necessity. A comprehensive estate plan can:

Protect loved ones across generations
Reduce confusion and conflict during emergencies
Clearly document your wishes
Preserve family harmony
Provide long-term financial security

By addressing these issues now, families can focus less on uncertainty and more on caring for one another.

Experienced Estate Planning Guidance Across Long Island and New York City

Klersy Law, P.C. provides trusted estate planning and elder law services to families in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), the Bronx, and Westchester County. We understand the complex realities faced by multigenerational families and are committed to delivering clear, compassionate, and strategic legal guidance.

If you are part of the sandwich generation and ready to create or update an estate plan that reflects your responsibilities today and protects your family’s future, our office is here to help.

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