Choosing to execute a will is a wise and responsible decision. A will allows you to live with peace of mind knowing that your property will go to those you want it to after you pass away. A will can also contain information on burial or funeral arrangements so your...
Joint ownership is a legal arrangement where two or more people own property together. This can apply to various assets, including real estate, vehicles and investments. Whether you're buying property with a spouse, sharing a bank account with a family member or...
Creating a will is an essential step in estate planning. Deciding who to name as beneficiaries is equally challenging. Below are suggestions for navigating this complex task. Consider your immediate family When thinking about beneficiaries, your immediate family...
A Medicaid divorce is a complex and often misunderstood concept in elder care planning. It is crucial to understand what it means, why some couples consider it, and when it might be appropriate. What is a Medicaid divorce? A Medicaid divorce is when a married couple...
If you’re a businessperson, politician or someone who sits on the board of a charitable organization, then you have to be careful to avoid conflicts of interest. This can make it difficult to manage your finances in a way that shields you from real or perceived...
Long-term care can be expensive, especially in a state like New York, where costs can be higher than in other states. That is why Medicaid planning is vital, especially for families whose only option for long-term care is Medicaid. Even well-to-do families can use...
Imagine someone you love passing away without leaving a will. It's a difficult scenario to think about, but it's a reality that many families face. When someone dies without a will, it's called "intestacy." In New York, the state has its own intestacy rules for...
The death of a loved one often prompts questions about their final wishes and estate distribution. In some cases, family members may discover these wishes in unconventional forms, such as handwritten notes on a napkin. However, courts scrutinize the validity and...
Many people assume their assets will smoothly transfer to their loved ones when they pass away. However, in reality, a significant portion of your properties may need to go through a legal process called probate before they even reach your beneficiaries. Probate, the...
In an ideal world, your estate planning would go smoothly, with your family members knowing what to expect as far as inheritances are concerned and without and quibbles over what each individual receives from your estate. Yet, if you’re like many New Yorkers, then you...
