Estate Planning

There can be a lot of moving parts in an estate plan and creating an effective and appropriate plan can require attention to detail. That’s why many people put off estate planning. But procrastinating can put you, your estate, and your loved ones at risk. If you want...

To build an estate plan that meets the needs of the estate planner, it is important to know about the different estate planning documents they should consider including in their estate plan. Different estate planning tools can help estate planners develop an estate...

In the past, New York State residents who wanted to create a comprehensive estate plan made sure it included tangible assets like real estate, collectibles, items of sentimental value, money, retirement assets and bank accounts. These were relatively easy to find,...

When people think about estate planning, the first thing they think of is making a will. If they go deeper, maybe they also consider setting up a trust for a specific need. But estate plans aren’t just about money. Health care directives aren’t something that comes...

Some people in New York may be under the impression that trusts are only for the wealthy especially if they know a “trust fund baby” who came from money and expects to receive a substantial inheritance in the future. However, even those of lesser means can benefit...

Many of us in Buffalo are in what we call the “sandwich generation.” We’re raising children who may be teenagers by now while also caring for our aging parents who need some help with their day-to-day tasks. It can be both rewarding and frustrating. As our parents...

As we’ve discussed previously on this blog, foregoing estate planning is a dangerous endeavor. After all, New York’s intestate succession laws probably don’t mirror how you want your assets to be distributed, which means that your estate could fall into the wrong...

In New York State, people who have prepared for the future by creating an estate plan often make the mistake of leaving it as is despite life changes. The birth of a grandchild, different financial circumstances, divorce, remarriage – all can create urgency to alter...

If your parents are aging then you might be concerned about their plans for the future of their care and their estate. It’s not an easy topic to bring up with your parents, though. You don’t want to give off an air of impropriety and you certainly don’t want to make...

Legions of Americans – including many residents across Western New York – readily note the strong utility of a well-considered and drafted estate plan for older persons commanding significant assets. It’s pretty clear, right? Persons of relatively advanced age having...