When a loved one dies intestate (without a will), the procedures surrounding the distribution of their estate can be opaque and confusing. In New York, intestate succession laws govern how the estate must be distributed, and the Surrogate Court’s procedural laws dictate who may serve as administrator of a decedent’s estate. These laws are relatively rigid and can leave...
Continue ReadingPreserving our assets for future generations can be a difficult task. There is a large array of estate planning tools at our disposal, and choosing the right ones for your needs requires careful thought and consideration. This dynamic is particularly true if we wish to protect our assets from the rising threat of nursing home costs, Medicaid costs, and...
Continue ReadingEstate 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 ReadingWhile 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 ReadingEstate 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 ReadingEstate 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 ReadingCreating an estate plan often involves a certain amount of looking into the future. Estate planners often wish they could give their clients a crystal ball to help them predict their family’s future emotional and financial situations when they pass away. After all, your lawyer could help you create a will or trust today, and you could live for...
Continue ReadingNo one likes to think about their eventual death, but planning ahead can smooth the way for your family. Most people seek to limit the burden and expense imposed on their loved ones after they die. While a will and trust often provide the best way to achieve this goal, you can pass some assets more easily with transfer...
Continue ReadingLong-term healthcare can be a costly necessity that takes you by surprise. In fact, 60% of people will require help with basic living needs at some point during their life. Whether it’s the result of a severe accident, sudden illness, or the effects of aging, long-term care is something to anticipate when estate planning. In this blog, we discuss...
Continue ReadingEstate planning involves finding unique ways to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. One way to do that is by using a trust. In this blog, we define what a trust is, explain the different types available, and discuss how you may benefit from including a trust in your estate plan. What Is a Trust? A...
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