When family members disagree on how to help an aging relative, they often look toward a formal court guardianship. However, a contested lawsuit in Rochester is expensive, public and emotionally draining. Less restrictive legal options exist that preserve dignity...
If you are in your 20s or 30s, estate planning is probably not on your radar. It can feel like something reserved for older people or those with considerable wealth. The truth is, if you have a bank account, an apartment, a car or anyone in your life you care about,...
Creating a will may feel like the central step in estate planning. However, it works best as one part of a larger plan. If you are a parent raising young children, understanding the other documents involved can help you avoid difficult decisions, especially during a...
A will is a starting point, not a complete plan. New York law gives you several tools to protect yourself while you are alive and to simplify what happens after you die. Planning for incapacity Two documents cover your medical and financial needs if you become unable...
When you think about estate planning, you might automatically think it only involves wills and trusts. However, there is another crucial component you might be overlooking: healthcare directives. These documents ensure your medical wishes are honored when you are...
The joy of parenthood is incomparable. Your focus is now on ensuring that they grow up having a stable life. One critical responsibility that frequently escapes your mind is developing a comprehensive estate plan. While starting one may seem like a chore, this plan is...
Most people know they should probably think about long-term care planning. Most people also put it off. The conversation feels remote, the paperwork feels overwhelming and the urgency feels abstract until, suddenly, it is not. What happens in that moment, when a...
Planning for incapacity is one of the most important steps you can take. In New York, two legal tools exist to help someone manage your affairs if you can no longer do so but they work in very different ways. What is a power of attorney? A power of attorney (POA) is a...
You might believe your spouse or children automatically inherit everything you own when you pass away. Many people assume the state naturally understands their family's needs and heartstrings. In reality, New York law follows a rigid formula that rarely accounts for...
Most people spend time thinking about what happens to their assets after they die. Few spend the same energy thinking about what happens if they cannot make decisions while they are still alive. A sudden illness or accident can strip away your ability to manage your...
