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For more information, please contact Guardianship, probate, and estate planning attorney, Regina Kiperman by phone 917-261-4514 or by email –rkiperman@rklawny.com.
Changes to the Power of Attorney in NY
Changes to the Power of Attorney in New York State On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo enacted a law which made sweeping changes to the Power of Attorney Statute in New York State. The law will be effective 180 days after signing (approximately June 2021), and...
read moreMedicaid Pooled Income Trust
Medicaid Pooled Income Trust A Medicaid Pooled Income Trust allows an individual to divert their excess income. In order to qualify for Medicaid in New York, an individual must meet certain income and resource requirements. For the year 2021, an individual’s resources...
read moreLiving Trust – What you Need To Know
Living Trust - Here’s What you Need To Know For most people, a Last Will and Testament is the first choice for passing on their assets to their heirs. But it's not the only choice. Among other estate planning tools, the Revocable Living Trust is gaining in popularity,...
read moreYour Estate Planning Checklist
Your Estate Planning Checklist Estate planning is the process of arranging, during a person’s lifetime, for the management of a person’s assets and affairs when the person becomes incapacitated or dies. It is important to create a plan. It is equally important to...
read moreNew York Power of Attorney
What is a New York Power of Attorney? A New York Power of Attorney is part of the Advance Directives packet. A New York Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to designate one or more individuals to manage your financial transactions during your lifetime. ...
read moreEstate Administration Checklist
Estate Administration Checklist You Have Been Appointed Administrator of An Estate in NYC. What do you do now? An Estate Administration Checklist of tasks to perform to appropriate settle the estate is provided below. Confirm There is No Will Obtain a Fiduciary Bond,...
read moreDuties of Executor of NYC Estate
Duties of Executor of NYC Estate Deborah’s father, Abe, died a resident of Brooklyn in March 2018. He was survived by his three children, Susan, Deborah, and Greg. Abe had executed his Last Will and Testament and named Deborah as his Executor, but failed to name a...
read moreChecklist for Executors
Checklist for Executors for Settling an Estate You Have Been Appointed Executor of An Estate in NYC. What do you do now? A basic checklist for executors for settling an estate, including a list of tasks to perform is below. Review Decedent’s Will Carefully. The...
read moreHow to Choose an Executor for Your NYC Estate
How to Choose an Executor for Your NYC Estate Janice resides in New York City, has a gross estate of $6,000,000, wants to retain an attorney to draft her Last Will and Testament, and needs to figure out how to choose an executor. Janice is a widow with three...
read moreThe New York County Surrogates Court
New York County Surrogates Court Each County in New York has a Surrogates Court. The New York County Surrogates Court handles cases involving the probate of decedent’s Last Will and Testament and the administration of decedent’s estates. It also handles certain types...
read morePer Stirpes vs. By Representation
Distributing Per StirpesEver look at a Will or Trust and see the words "per stirpes"?Ever been asked to prove your relationship to a decedent (more formally known as kinship) and be told that distributions are "by representation"?Ever see the word "per capita"?What...
read moreAdvantages of a Revocable Trust
What are the Advantages of a Revocable Trust? Is a "Lifetime" or Revocable Trust for You? In certain, but not all, situations, it may make sense to create and fund a "lifetime" or revocable trust. There are certainly advantages of a revocable trust. The below are a...
read moreContest a Will in New York
Contest a Will in New York A Will contest is a type of estate litigation where an individual will "contest a will" or question the validity of a will. When Can You "Contest a Will" in New York? Wills can be contested on several grounds. An objectant/challenger to a...
read moreNYC Guardianship Guide
What is Guardianship in New York City? This NYC Guardianship Guide will help you better understand the guardianship process. In New York, Guardianship is the relationship between an incapacitated person and a fiduciary, who assists the incapacitated person with...
read moreHow do I Unseal an Apartment After Death of a Relative?
How Do I Unseal Apartment After Death that was Sealed by the Police?There are a number of circumstances where you may have to unseal an apartment after the death of a family member or close friend. The police will most often seal the apartment when a person is found...
read moreDo I Need A Will? – Yes, You Do!
Do I Need a Will?Are you asking yourself: Do I need a Will during this time? The answer is a resounding yes. A Last Will and Testament (“Will”) is one way that you can provide instructions for the distribution of your property after you die. Below are some...
read moreNew York Probate Process
The New York Probate Process The purpose of this guide is to help you understand the New York Probate process. You can also watch THIS VIDEO for a quick and easy 5 step guide. Please note that Surrogate's Courts are experiencing delays right now as a result of the...
read moreCompel Production of a Will
How to Compel Production of a Will in NYC Bob dies. At the time of his death, you find a copy of his Last Will and Testament (“Will”) among his possessions. The Will was drafted by an attorney. You call the attorney who tells you that he is not providing you with any...
read moreHow Do I Get a Copy of the Trust?
How Do I Get a Copy of the Trust? You recently learned that your parents created a trust. Your sibling is named the Trustee. Although you are not a Trustee, you strongly suspect that you are a beneficiary. Your parents never gave you a copy, or, even if they did, you...
read morePreliminary Letters Testamentary
Preliminary Letters Testamentary Authorize Immediate Access to a Decedent's Estate Your parent or loved one just died, perhaps as a result of Covid-19. Perhaps your parents owned a property and rented out a portion of it. Perhaps your relative's apartment was sealed...
read moreLast Will and Testament Guide NYC
Last Will and Testament Guide NYC This "Last Will and Testament" guide will help an individual in New York City understand what a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) is, the benefits of having Wills, the alternatives to Will writing, whether you need an attorney to draft...
read moreA Message from RK Law PC
Dear Clients and Friends, First and foremost, we hope this post finds you and your family safe. As we are all restructuring life in the wake of COVID-19, we want you to know that RK LAW PC is here to help if you need assistance We profoundly care about our employees...
read moreImportant Estate Planning Documents
Important Estate Planning Documents The markets have tanked. The kids are home. The bars and gyms are closed. Broadway has shuttered. How can you distract yourself from staring gloomily at your retirement account and your kids asking you when the germs will go away?...
read moreForced to Sell Inherited Real Property?
Can I Be Forced to Sell Inherited Real Property? Consider the following: Mariya, age 93, died five years ago. At the time of her death, her biggest asset was her house in Brooklyn valued at well over one million ($1,000,000) dollars. Mariya had three daughters, Amy,...
read moreHow to Execute a Will in NY
How to Execute a Will in New York Properly A Will is a written instruction manual for disposing of your assets. It is a document that overrides the New York State default rules for disposing of a person’s assets after their death. In order for a Will to be given...
read moreCan a Guardian Sell Property?
CAN A GUARDIAN SELL HIS WARD'S PROPERTY? Can a Guardian sell property belonging to his ward? Typically, such sale is subject to Court approval. Consider the following example: Joe, a resident of New York County, suffers from Dementia. A Mental Hygiene Law Article 81...
read moreAccess Dead Person’s Email or Facebook
Access a Dead Person’s Email or Facebook There exist limited ways to access a dead person’s email or Facebook or other online accounts, even if just to procure some of the available information. How Can You Access the Dead Person’s Email of Facebook Without a Court...
read moreIntestate (Without a Will). Now What?
Dying Without a Will means Dying Intestate. In New York, if you die without a Will, it means you have died “intestate.” Every state has laws that control who inherits property if no will exists. In New York, the law that controls who inherits in the absence of a Will...
read moreIs my “No Contest” clause fullproof?
My Will has a “No Contest” clause. Is it fullproof? A “No Contest” or “In Terrorem” clause is often thought of as a way of preventing a challenge to a Will. If properly drafted and used under the right circumstances, a “No Contest” clause can be advantageous and can...
read moreWhat If Executor Steals from Estate?
What Happens if the Executor Steals From the Estate? An Executor of an estate must, among other things, collect the assets of the estate, pay any estate debts and taxes, pay the expenses associated with administering the estate (for example, legal fees associated with...
read moreFile to Be Administrator of Estate
File to Be Administrator of Estate When someone dies without a Will and leaves assets without a beneficiary designation, someone must file to administer the Estate. An Administrator is the fiduciary of an estate of a decedent who died without a Will. In this post, we...
read moreProbate Assets – What are they?
Probate assets are Assets that do not Pass by Beneficiary Designation or Operation of Law. Consider the following example: Gretta died in February 2019 domiciled in Brooklyn and survived by her three children. She had a last Will and Testament that named her daughter,...
read moreProve Kinship in NYC
How to Prove Kinship in NYC. In NYC, it is important to prove kinship when you want to inherit from a distant relative, such as a cousin. Consider the following example: Richard, a Kings County resident, died three years ago without a will. At the time of his death,...
read moreBecome Executor or Administrator of Estate
How do I Become an Executor or Administrator of an Estate? In New York, after a person (known as a "decedent') dies, another person may need to become executor or administrator of the decedent's estate. If the decedent had a Will and has assets that do not pass by...
read moreEnding Guardianship in New York City
Ending Guardianship In NYC Ending guardianship in NYC is its own process that must be understood and analyzed. Guardianship, in general, is an arrangement where the Court gives an individual or, in some cases, an organization, the legal right to make decisions on...
read moreCompel an Estate Accounting in Surrogate’s Court
The Executor Won’t Share any Information with me! What are my Options? How can you compel an estate accounting when you have not received the information you are entitled to receive from the Executor? Consider the following example: Five years ago, Ellie died a...
read moreFile for Adult Guardianship NYC
When to File for Adult Guardianship in NYC Often times we find ourselves wondering whether the time is right to file for adult guardianship in NYC. The below sets forth a few instances that should raise red flags and should get you thinking about filing. Please...
read moreOpening a Safe Deposit Box After Death
Opening a Safe Deposit Box After Death in New York City Banks will often seal a safe deposit box following the death of an owner (or co-owner). Pursuant to SCPA 2003, An "interested party" (e.g., spouse, beneficiary, fiduciary) may access the box for certain purposes,...
read moreTemporary, Special, or Permanent NYC Article 81 Guardianship – Which One is Right for Your Situation?
Temporary, Special, or Permanent NYC Article 81 Guardianship - Which One is Right for Your Situation? The New York City Guardianship statute authorizes a Court to appoint a guardian to manage the personal needs or property of a person who cannot manage on their own...
read moreRoles of Different Types of Fiduciaries: Part 2
Roles of Administrator cta and dbn of an Estate What is an Administrator c.t.a.? Scenario A: Georgia passed away in May 2018, a resident of New York County. She was widowed at the time of her death, and she was survived by only her two adult daughters, April and...
read moreRoles of Executors and Administrators of an Estate
Roles of Executors and Administrators of a NYC Estate Allison’s father, Kenneth, a Brooklyn resident, died in March of 2018. Kenneth was a widower, but survived by his three (3) children, Allison, John, and Nathan. In his Last Will and Testament, he named Allison as...
read morePROBATE ASSETS vs. NONPROBATE ASSETS
NONPROBATE ASSETS vs. PROBATE ASSETS People often confuse nonprobate assets and probate assets. They also often confuse taxable vs. non taxable assets. Probate assets are those that do not have a beneficiary designation. They are assets that were either not capable of...
read moreDuties of a Guardian under MHL Article 81
What are the Duties of a Guardian under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81? What are the duties of a guardian? Consider the following case study:Margaret’s father, James, is 94 years old and resides in New York City. Last year, James suffered a stroke, and since then, he...
read moreWhat is the role of a Court Evaluator in a NYC Article 81 Guardianship Hearing?
What is the role of a Court Evaluator in a NYC Article 81 Guardianship Hearing? The Court Evaluator plays an important role in an Article 81 Guardianship proceeding in NYC. The Court Evaluator is the eyes and ears of the Court. The role of the Court Evaluator is to...
read more10 Steps to Take After Being Appointed Guardian in NYC
10 Steps to Take After Being Appointed Guardian in NYC You Have Been Appointed Guardian of an Incapacitated Person in NYC. What do you do now? A basic checklist of tasks to perform to appropriate settle the estate is provided below. Feel free to contact us for help...
read moreConduct your SCPA 1404 Discovery Before Deciding to Challenge a Will in NYC.
Looking to Challenge a Will in NYC? (Conduct your SCPA 1404’s First) Certain individuals can request discovery before they challenge a Will. In this way, it is possible to obtain information before you make the ultimate decision of whether to challenge a Will. New...
read morePreparing an Estate Accounting for a NYC Estate
Preparing an Estate Accounting for a NYC Estate You are the executor of an estate in NYC and in this capacity, are charged with ultimately providing an estate accounting to your beneficiaries. You have collected the estate assets, opened an estate account,...
read moreNYC Article 81 Guardianship – Person in Need of a Guardian vs. Incapacitated Person
NYC Article 81 Guardianship - Person in Need of a Guardian vs. Incapacitated Person What is the difference between a person in need of a guardian (“PING”) and an incapacitated person (“IP”)? The simple answer is that a person in need of a guardian has the ability to...
read moreCommissions for Serving as Administrator, Executor, or Trustee
How much will I be Paid for serving as Executor, Administrator or Trustee in NYC? An Executor, Administrator, and/or Trustee is entitled to be paid for the work they perform in their roles in NYC. For trustees and executors specifically, it is important to review the...
read morePreparing Your NYC Probate Petition: Interested Party vs. Necessary Party
Preparing Your NYC Probate Petition: Interested Party vs. Necessary Party Individuals are often confused by who is a “necessary” party in a probate petition vs who is an interested party in a probate petition. This post will describe the differences and help you...
read moreUsing a Surety Bond to Prevent Estate Theft.
Imposing a Surety Bond On Your Fiduciary? Consider these Pros and Cons When drafting your NYC Last Will and Testament or Trust, it is important to consider whether you want to waive the issuance of a surety bond. A bond is the equivalent of insurance for the...
read moreTop 5 Will Drafting Tips
Top 5 Will Drafting Tips So you have decided to write a Will. Excellent. That's half the battle. Now that you have begun the process, there are several important considerations. Below are the top 5 Will drafting tips. 1. Choose the Right Fiduciary Before you meet with...
read moreFive Questions and Answers to Consider as an Executor
Five Questions and Answers to Consider as a Executor 1.Letters Testamentary have been issued to me, and I am now the Executor of an estate. What do I do now? Executors have a number of responsibilities in administering estates. First, you should post a bond if you...
read moreMeet With an Estate Planning Attorney
Preparing to Meet with An Estate Planning Attorney Are you preparing to meet with an estate planning attorney? Below is an estate planning checklist for your consultation. Before you meet with an estate planning attorney for your initial consultation, you should...
read moreSmall Estate Probate In NYC
Small Estate Probate In NYC - When There Is Less Than $30,000 in the Bank? Bill died in NYC with a Last Will and Testament in which he left all of his assets to his daughter, Susan. Bill had $25,000 in his checking account when he died. Bill could not place a...
read moreNYC Beginners Guide to Trusts
This guide will help beginners in NYC understand what a trust is, how it differs from a will, and whether you should have one as part of your estate plan. What is a trust? A trust is a contract. It is a legal document that creates a relationship between the creator...
read moreProbating a Copy of a Lost Will in NYC?
How Can I Probate a Copy of a Lost Will In NYC? Robert died survived by his wife, Patricia, and two daughters. Robert and Patricia executed their wills with their attorney two years prior to Robert’s death. Even though their attorney suggested that he keep their...
read moreNYC Estate Planning Basics
NYC estate planning is more than just writing a Will. NYC estate planning is about avoiding family disputes, maximizing access to government benefits, minimizing taxes to be paid, and making sure your long term care wishes are known. This guide will help you answer...
read moreDied Without a Will. Now What?
What are my Rights if my Parent Died Without a Will? Barbara, a widow, died without a Will. She was survived by her two children, Jonathan and Lisa. Barbara never executed a Last Will and Testament. She never had the opportunity to nominate someone to serve as...
read moreServed with Surrogate’s Court Citation. What Do I do now?
I was Served with Surrogate's Court Citation. What Do I do now? If you were served with Surrogate's Court Citation, that means you have been determined to be a necessary party to a proceeding. A Surrogate's Court Citation is one of the most basic ways that a Court...
read moreWhat Happens at a NYC Article 81 Guardianship Hearing?
An Article 81 guardianship proceeding is initiated by filing an Order to Show Cause and Verified Petition with the Supreme Court in the County where the alleged incapacitated person (“AIP”) resides.
read moreSteps a Disabled Person Can Take to Obtain an Inheritance
The Legal Intersection of Inheritance and Disability: A Primer By Regina Kiperman and Naomi Levin Published in NYSBA Elder and Special Needs Law Journal | Spring 2017 | Vol. 27 | No. 2 "Picture John. John has had a diffi cult life and, now that he is...
read moreWaiver of Process Consent to Probate. Now What?
I Received a Waiver of Process Consent to Probate. Now What? Jack comes home from a long day of work and receives a Waiver of Process Consent to Probate in the mail. His sister, Emma send him the form. Emma is seeking to probate their mother's Last Will and...
read moreHow to Avoid Probate Using Real Property Deeds as Estate Planning Devices
Alice and Bill live in Brooklyn. They are about to purchase their first home. Understanding how expensive the Brooklyn real estate market is, Alice’s mother, Cathy, is going to contribute some money towards the purchase of the property. But how can...
read moreProbate – Letters of Administration C.T.A.
Jack died last week in Brooklyn, New York. His cousin, Maria, found his Last Will and Testament while searching for details about his cemetery plot. The Will left a portion of Jack’s estate to Maria and named Maria’s mother, Jennifer, as Jack’s executor. Jennifer had...
read moreTo Probate – or Not to Probate? That is the Question. Below May Be The Answer
Suzy died in Brooklyn, New York last week. She was survived by her five children. Suzy’s youngest daughter, Laura, claimed that she was in possession of Suzy’s original Will. The other four children were shocked and surprised to hear this because Suzy always told them...
read moreOwed Money from a Dead Person? File a Claim Against the Estate
Are you owed money from a dead person? The example below explains the law around filing claims against an estate. Harry and Jesse were friends for many years. During the last year of Jesse’s life, Harry spent a small fortune taking care of Jesse. Harry paid for...
read moreHow to Avoid It! – Ancillary (or additional) probate and administration
Donna owned property in New York and Florida. She did not do any planning during her lifetime. When she retired, she moved down to Florida and lived in Florida full time until her death. After her death, her children begin to wonder how they are going to take...
read moreReal Property as Sole Estate Asset
Real Property as Sole Estate Asset - is Probate Required? Joe’s parents both died this year. Real property is the sole estate asset. Indeed, the only asset in their estate was their family home. Real Estate was the Sole Estate Asset. His parents left a Will. Joe has...
read moreDigital Assets & Succession Rights – Welcome RUFADAA!
Many people activate online accounts or have digital assets (e.g. widgets, flyer miles, online accounts, bitcoins, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, PayPal, Google Wallet, Amazon, eBay, Robinhood, online bank accounts, YouTube account that generates revenue,...
read moreHow to Probate a Will in NY
How to Probate a Will in NY Here are a few practical points to help you understand how to probate a Will in NY. Please review our Probate Process guide for greater details on how to probate a Will in NY. Please note that there are significant delays in processing...
read moreAn In-Depth Look at Kinship
When a person dies without a will and is survived by an aunt, uncle, or cousin, or, whenever the Public Administrator acts as the estate’s fiduciary, the survivors bear the burden of proving kinship or that they are related to the decedent. To meet this burden, the...
read moreInheriting From Your Nonmarital Father
Last week Alice’s father died. Alice sought to become the Administer of his estate. Alice also wanted a piece of her father’s small fortune. There was only one small problem. Alice’s father was not listed on Alice’s birth certificate. Nor, for that matter, was Alice’s...
read moreNew York Long-Term Care Insurance – Do’s and Don’ts
In recent times, pharmaceutical advancements have seen a spike in life expectancies in New York and across the world. Therefore, it only makes sense to put in a lot of thought into what kind of long-term care insurance suits your needs best. This being said, there are...
read moreCan irrevocable grantor trusts be modified?
Many New York residents who have looked into estate planning are familiar with revocable trusts. These trusts are often favored because they can be changed during the lifetime of the grantor, unlike an irrevocable trust, which cannot be easily changed once executed....
read moreA hectic life can be kept on track with proper estate planning
Some New York residents may neglect to plan for their future needs and those of their families. Some suggest that estate planning can be compared to planning for a trip, with an estate plan acting like a road map. Just as there is a need for gathering information and...
read moreAt risk for estate tax? Work with experienced attorney to minimize liability
Estate planning can have different goals for different people in different circumstances. One goal that should always be factored into estate planning, though, is estate tax minimization. For many Americans, federal estate taxation isn’t presently much of a concern,...
read moreEstate planning and long-term care considerations
While many people readily associate estate planning with legal documents like wills and trusts, which typically only come into play after an individual’s death, the process also relates to many important long-term care and end-of-life matters. While individuals tend...
read moreNot everyone is cut out to be an executor
As we’ve noted in previous blogs, decisions related to estate planning are highly personal and should only be made after taking numerous factors into consideration. When considering your estate plan, making the decision of who to appoint as the executor of your estate...
read moreInsurance may play role in planning for the elderly in New York
Maintaining one's health should be a top priority for anybody. However, this can be particularly important when planning for the elderly in New York. Making sure that one will be taken care of in old age may require considering the possibility of the need for...
read moreTaking time this holiday season to discuss long-term care planning with mom and dad
In many families, matters related to long-term care & estate planning are often among those that are dreaded and avoided. There comes a certain point, however, when such conversations are necessary such as when adult children notice the physical and/or mental...
read moreWhy a wealth transfer is often deemed a failure
For individuals or couples who have been fortunate enough to amass a considerable amount of wealth, the question of how to transfer all or a portion of that wealth to heirs is often a chief concern. However, despite the amount of time a parent may spend contemplating...
read moreSpouses advised to take active role in the estate planning process
In many marriages, each spouse fulfills a certain role and takes on certain responsibilities. This is often especially true when it comes to financial matters. In addition to paying monthly bills and managing a monthly budget, a more financially-savvy spouse is also...
read moreWhen a loved one dies, who bears the responsibility for his or her debts?
Based on figures obtained from several reputable banking and financial sources, the average credit card holder has nearly $8,000 in revolving debt, while those individuals who have student loans carry an average balance on those loans of roughly $25,700. When it comes...
read moreDon’t let an inheritance windfall be your downfall
According to Investment News, during the next three decades, baby boomers will pass along an estimated $30 trillion in wealth to their heirs, via inheritance. For most people, suddenly learning that you are $500,000 or $1 million richer is welcome news. However, for...
read moreEmpowering clients to remain in control during the retirement years
In life, there are things that we all know we should do. Exercise, eat healthy and budget wisely are things that we know have inherent benefits; yet many of us fail to take steps to incorporate these positive actions into our lives and thus may suffer the related...
read moreMaking long-term care plans for your loved one with special needs
Just about every parent wants what's best for their child and would do just about anything to make sure that their child is happy and taken care of for the rest of their life. Though most parents feel this way, the sentiment is most deeply felt by parents who have...
read moreKeeping it in the family—the importance of business succession planning
For a business owner, a company is often regarded much like another child. This makes perfect sense when you consider the amount of time, attention and care that often goes into building a successful company. It also makes sense, therefore, that a business owner may...
read moreAdvanced directives allow you to clarify your wishes regarding finances and health care
You might assume that your family will know your wishes in the event that you become unable to make financial and medical decisions on your own, but this assumption and lack of advanced directives can turn out to be a mistake that results in confusion, conflict and...
read moreThe many benefits of incorporating charitable donations into an estate plan
We often hear about philanthropy endeavors and sizable charitable donations of billionaires like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Mark Zuckerberg. While there's no diminishing the value such donations provide for respective charities, there are many other advantages...
read moreMany high-net individuals do not have estate administration plans
Estate plans are for people of all income levels. However, it is particularly important for high-net-worth people to make estate administration plans in New York. Unfortunately, it turns out that many with a large amount of assets may not have adequate estate plans in...
read moreWills vs.trusts and accomplishing estate planning goals
For individuals who are contemplating estate planning matters, there may be some confusion about the benefits of establishing a will vs. a trust. Most people are likely familiar with wills and understand that a will can be used to express one's wishes with regard to...
read moreHow does Medicare factor into long-term care planning?
As New York City residents age, many likely have questions and concerns about their futures, including Medicare. Fears about declining physical and mental health are often on the minds of retirees who may have watched parents or friends cope with difficult late-life...
read moreConservator and co-guardians named for Whitney Houston’s daughter
The tragic circumstances that surrounded the life and death of the late multi-Grammy winner Whitney Houston, continue to plague those she left behind after her death in 2012. Most recently, the late-singer's only child, Bobbie Kristina Brown, was found unconscious in...
read moreSingle? Here’s why you really need an estate plan
Estate planning is typically thought of as a family affair. This is because individuals most often leave their assets and property to their spouse, children and grandchildren. So do people without a spouse or children even need an estate plan? The answer is an...
read moreHelping clients use Medicare and Medicaid to achieve estate planning goals
While most people would likely agree that planning for one's future and those of loved ones is important, many fail to take steps to establish an estate plan until later in life. It isn't until many people are nearing or in retirement that they begin to contemplate...
read moreFactors to consider when choosing who to name as an estate’s executor
Most people consider a will to be the cornerstone upon which a comprehensive estate plan is built. People often use a will to leave personal belongings and assets to family members, friends and charities. While a will helps account for the disposition of an...
read moreFor business owners, succession planning provides security and control
New York business owners likely worked for years to achieve certain professional accomplishments. When an individual makes the decision to retire or is no longer able to effectively run a business, to ensure for one's own financial security and a business' future...
read moreDo you have a living will?
At its core, the estate planning process helps people plan for unforeseeable life events. While we all know we won't live forever, there are many unknowns associated with how old we will live to be, our physical and mental health and our living situation. These types...
read moreHow can parents provide for a child with special needs?
Every parent has concerns about their child and his or her future. For parents who have a child with special needs, worries about the future are much more complex and long-term. For parents who have a child with autism or a chronic illness that may affect his or her...
read moreUsing an irrevocable life insurance trust to avoid estate taxes
The word success means different things to different people. For many, attaining a certain level of financial independence and freedom that allows one to live well and provide for future generations is a mark of success. Individuals, who work hard, invest wisely and...
read morePlanning today for future care and housing needs
Aging is an inevitability of life and, as we age, it's important to take steps to plan for one’s changing needs. For many families, it may not be possible for a grown child to provide the level of care an aging parent requires, without future care considerations. As...
read moreRole of trustee comes with many responsibilities
Taking steps to establish a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most loving and beneficial gifts a parent can bestow to his or her heirs. In addition to a will, an individual may choose to establish one or more trusts for the benefit of minor-aged children,...
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