Most people know that an estate plan is mainly used to pass on a home, car or bank accounts. But what about your email accounts, social media profiles or the thousands of family photos stored in the cloud? In our digital world, these "digital assets" are frequently...
Estate Planning
5 essential estate planning documents for New Yorkers
Don’t let New York’s probate court make your family's most personal decisions. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or older people. It is an essential step for every adult. Without the proper legal documents, your wishes will not matter. Instead, New York...
Would a trust impact a loved one’s eligibility for Medicaid?
In New York, estate planning and Medicaid eligibility often intersect. If an heir is eligible for Medicaid and a person creating an estate plan is leaving them assets, it could impact whether they maintain their Medicaid eligibility. While leaving property to a loved...
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...
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...
How can you ensure your will is valid and enforceable in New York?
Estate planning can be daunting, but it is crucial for ensuring the fulfillment of your wishes after you pass. Creating a valid will is one of the most important components of estate planning. In New York, there are specific requirements to ensure your will is legally...
Choosing beneficiaries in your will: What you need to know
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...
What you need to know about a blind trust
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...
What are the rules of intestacy in New York?
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...
Do final wishes on a napkin count as a will?
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...

