Estate planning involves terms that may elicit specific reactions. Probate tends to be one of those terms, often something individuals seek to avoid through the estate planning tools. Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away. It is...
Buffalo New York Legal Blog
Protecting your savings with long-term care planning
Much of the aging population has dedicated their adult life working hard to secure a life savings to provide them with a comfortable retirement and the knowledge that they will have assets to pass on to their heirs. Unfortunately, your health and wellbeing may...
If I have a will, do I need a trust?
When it comes to estate planning, many seek to find a simple and easy mechanism to transfer their assets and property after their death. However, even the most basic estate could require a comprehensive and complex estate plan. As such, it is important to understand...
Why use a springing power of attorney?
If you’re interested in using a power of attorney, there are a few different types. For instance, some people use a medical power of attorney, while others will focus more on legal or financial decisions. Either way, this document gives someone else the ability to...
What happens if my will is lost?
Setting up an estate plan that includes a will is a great way to ensure your family and loved one’s needs are met after you pass away. But what happens if your will is lost? There are many reasons a will may be lost. It may have been destroyed in a natural disaster,...
Can I create a trust to use now that can also be my estate plan?
Trusts offer an efficient and flexible way for Williamsville residents to manage their assets today while ensuring their smooth transfer in the future. By setting up a trust, you can achieve multiple goals simultaneously, from asset protection to estate planning. What...
What is Medicaid spend-down and how do you do it?
Growing older brings many challenges, especially when it comes to your health and healthcare costs. Assistance from Medicaid's long-term care program offers relief for many seniors. But many New Yorkers find themselves in a difficult position—earning more than...
The executor’s step-by-step guide to New York probate
When someone you care about passes away and names you as their executor, you are taking on a significant role that few people are fully prepared for. This position demands attention to detail, good organization and familiarity of legal procedures – all during a time...
What happens if you die without a will in New York?
Death comes unexpectedly, leaving families to deal with both emotional and legal challenges. While grieving the loss of a loved one, many New York families face additional stress when they discover there's no will in place. This situation, known as dying intestate,...
Which Medicaid long-term care program is right for you?
Long-term care can cost at least $4,300 a month in an assisted living facility. For nursing home care, the national median is about $7,756 a month for a semi-private room. Unfortunately, many Americans cannot afford these services out-of-pocket. Long-term care...