In a nutshell, in our state, the “community spouse” can refuse to contribute income or resources toward the institutionalized spouse’s nursing-home care, and the Medicaid application should still be processed. However, the New York county may later pursue a separate...
Year: 2025
What can I do if I need to get on Medicaid quickly?
If you or a loved one in the greater Buffalo area has a sudden or unplanned need for an extended nursing home stay, the only option for them may be to qualify for Medicaid. Since it is supposed to be for those who cannot afford medical care, the Medicaid program has...
Tips for disinheriting a relative
Figuring out how to distribute your assets is a key portion of the estate planning process. As you get deeper into it, though, you may find yourself more concerned about keeping financial resources out of the hands of those you no longer trust. Fortunately, you can...
Do I need a will if I don’t have children?
New York individuals or couples without children may believe that creating a will is unnecessary. Although having children is often an event that triggers couples to start thinking about estate planning, there are many other life events that are just as important and...
Key points to consider with succession planning
For many New York business owners, the company is not merely an asset but rather a product of a lifetime’s work and a foundation for their future generations. Keeping a family business within the family is often paramount, making it essential to plan and prepare for...
Does a will expire if it is too old?
It is never too early to create a will. No matter how young you are, chances are you have more property than you believe. Creating a will saves your loved one’s time, money and stress when wondering how you want your assets distributed to heirs if you pass away....
Get started planning your estate early
In our previous blog, we explored end-of-life estate planning strategies and the critical steps that ensure final wishes are respected. Now, we turn our attention to early life estate planning, a proactive approach that fortifies your future by safeguarding valuable...
Four risks of using AI to generate an estate plan
Artificial intelligence is here to stay. While the apps and other AI technology currently available can assist with writing, creating travel itineraries and entertaining, can it be relied upon to complete important legal tasks like creating an estate plan? Some people...
At the end of my life, what is needed in my estate plan?
Preparing for the final stage of life means putting unmistakable instructions on paper. In New York, just a few critical documents lock in your healthcare directives, hand off financial authority and spell out how your assets will be shared. While nothing can lessen...
When is probate required, and how can it be avoided?
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...

