| Read Time: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

The Legal Documents Every LGBTQ Older Adult Needs

Estate planning is critical for everyone, whether you’re married, single, straight, or LGBTQ. Marriage equality became the law of the land in 2015, with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. However, because of historical and ongoing discrimination, those in the LGBTQ community who are aging often rely on partners or caregivers with whom they have no...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

What Happens When a House Is Sold Through Probate?

Transferring property after someone dies can be challenging. When a person dies in New York, their entire estate must be dispersed according to the instructions in their will, living trust, or intestacy laws. If the deceased person, also called the decedent, didn’t leave a will, or set up a trust, then the probate court must determine who receives any...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

What Is a Probate Sale in New York?

A probate sale is the sale of a deceased person’s real property overseen by the probate court. Because there might be competing interests in that real estate, there can be legal ramifications to buying, selling, or possessing property from a probate sale. When you are participating in a probate sale, an attorney familiar with New York’s Surrogate Court and...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

While many people know the value of estate planning, only one in three Americans has a will. For most people, the number one reason for not having an estate plan is that they simply haven’t gotten around to it yet. Neglecting to plan for the future can have unexpected and undesirable consequences for your family. An estate plan can...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Wills

Are Handwritten or Oral Wills Enforceable in New York?

A will is a legal document that explains how a person’s assets and belongings should be distributed after their death. In New York, there are rules a will must follow to be valid and enforceable. Handwritten wills and oral wills do not usually follow these rules. Because of this, handwritten or oral wills are only enforceable in New York...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

What Happens After A Probate Is Closed in New York?

The probate process begins when a person dies, and the family delivers the person’s will to the probate court. The probate court appoints a personal representative who manages the estate. That person is legally responsible to the family and other interested parties for how they handle the estate. Once the personal representative distributes the estate assets, the probate process...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Medicaid

New York Medicaid: What Does Medicaid Cover in Dental?

The Medicaid program in each state can choose to include dental care coverage for its adult Medicaid recipients. Medicaid dental coverage in New York includes emergency and routine dental care to prevent severe diseases and life-threatening complications. The Law Office of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C., assists New York seniors with all aspects of Medicaid planning. Even though many people...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning encompasses a wide range of things you can do to prepare for retirement, disability, or death. With a comprehensive estate plan, you can grow older knowing that your family will be cared for after your death.  Memorializing your plan means your family can receive what you wish them to inherit without fighting through probate. You can know...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 3 minutes | Estate Planning

When to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning is the process of determining how you will provide for your loved ones after your death. When you sit down with your estate planning lawyer, they will ask about your assets and thoughts on how you want to distribute them. They will also help you plan for when you are incapacitated and unable to explain your wishes....

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Medicaid

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid in New York?

One aspect of growing older and moving through retirement is determining how you will pay for healthcare. While you are working, you likely have health insurance from your employer. Once you reach 65 and retire, you may apply for Medicare and Medicaid. These government-run programs can help you afford healthcare as you age. The services covered by these two...

Continue Reading