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...
Estate Planning
Three problems that can make your parent’s estate plan useless
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...
Part of a blended family? Consider these estate planning issues
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...
Estate plans may need to be updated based on life changes
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...
Tips for talking to your parents about estate planning
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...
Crafting a sound estate plan is not just for wealthy seniors
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...
Should you challenge a last will and testament?
If you’re among those in New York who have recently lost a loved one, you no doubt understand how difficult it can be to move on in life in the absence of someone dear to you. It's emotionally challenging and may also present difficulties in other aspects of life. If...
Why do New Yorkers want to avoid probate?
Estate planning can be a difficult legal topic to breach with loved ones because it presumes one complicated and uncomfortable fact: the death of the planner. An estate plan is a set of legal tools that direct the disposition of a person’s assets at the time of their...
What can a special needs trust pay for?
If you have a loved one who suffers from a physical or mental disability, then you’re probably worried about their future, especially if you provide them with a lot of support. This consideration should definitely be taken into account as you create your estate plan....
Avoid these common estate planning errors
If you’ve decided that it’s time to execute a plan to protect your assets, put instructions regarding health care decisions in writing and provide an inheritance for your loved ones, then you’re in a distinct category apart from those in New York and beyond who won’t...

