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...
Laws surrounding probate and other associated legal procedures can vary by state. In most cases, alternative legal options, such as a small estate affidavit, are available if the deceased's estate meets specific conditions. This more straightforward and quicker method...
In New York, a will is a crucial document that details how a person’s assets will be distributed and other issues are settled after they are gone. Having a will is a positive step as it ensures the person – known as the testator – sees their objectives are met and...
Creating a thoughtful estate plan takes time. When you’re done with the process, you might feel proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished. But after sitting with your estate plan for a little while you might want to revisit it to ensure that it’ll truly provide...
The dissolution of a marriage invariably brings significant changes to one’s life, and estate planning is no exception. In New York, a divorce can have profound implications on an existing estate plan, particularly concerning wills, trusts and designated...
A family limited liability corporation, or family LLC, is a form of business organization that families can use to manage their wealth. A family LLC is also an estate planning device that can accomplish several goals, including avoiding probate and minimizing any...
Conscientious people in New York know the value of having an estate plan. Many choose to have a will to make sure their loved ones are taken care of and their property goes where they want it to go after they are gone. It is frequently the simplest solution. However,...
Many people begin their estate planning journeys without understanding what the related legal terms are, which can be confusing and can lead people to make decisions that may not be in their best interests. For example, one of those words is probate. Probate is the...
