When it comes to preparing for the inevitable, a last will often serves only as the first step. Most people assume having a will means their estate plan is complete, but that's rarely the whole story. While wills play an important role in estate planning, they don't...
A loved one’s estate plans can raise concerns when their written wishes differ from what they previously discussed. That difference may leave families wondering how the document came together. If you question your relative’s existing will, understanding potential...
A parent’s need for long-term care can put a lifetime of savings under pressure. That financial concern often leaves families fearing that Medicaid will require them to spend everything they saved. If you are helping your parents apply for Medicaid, understanding the...
Imagine you are the person everyone relies on. You make quick decisions under pressure and keep everything running smoothly. Whether you teach students, treat patients or protect your community, you have built a life of responsibility and success. However, most...
If you have a will that leaves everything to your children, you may feel confident that your family is protected. In many ways, you are right. However, one detail tends to catch parents off guard during the planning process. In New York, a minor cannot legally receive...
Estate planning is easy to think of as a task that only needs to happen once. After signing a will or creating a trust, many people assume their plan will continue to reflect their wishes for years to come. In reality, life does not stay the same. Families grow,...
Your 50s represent a bridge between the busy years of raising a family and the start of your next adventure. As your children become independent and leave your home, the estate plan you put in place years ago may no longer be necessary or effective. Refreshing your...
Many people write a will early in life and never look at it again. Retirement, however, brings significant changes to your assets, your relationships and your plans for the future. What made sense in your will ten years ago may no longer apply today. Taking a closer...
If you are worried that qualifying for Medicaid means spending down everything you have worked for, you are not alone. That fear keeps many people from planning until it is too late. The reality is that New York Medicaid distinguishes between assets that count against...
Planning for future medical care often includes decisions about treatments, trusted decision-makers and personal values. Organ and tissue donation may also play an important role in that planning. If you want your wishes to remain clear, you may wonder where to record...
