With the aging of the populous baby boomer generation, more New York families are dealing with figuring out how to provide for the care and wellbeing of an aging parent or loved one. Individuals over the age of 65 are more likely to be impacted by a serious illness or...
Month: January 2014
Unique families require unique estate planning solutions
Fifty years ago, the typical American family consisted of a man, woman and 2.5 children. In contrast, today’s American families readily include same-sex couples, divorced spouses, step-children and half-siblings. A more complex familial structure requires...
Portability could aid New Yorkers in estate planning
Throughout one's lifetime, the average man or woman will likely accumulate some amount of wealth. Upon one's death, depending on how this wealth was handled and distributed, it could be taxed or it could be tax-free. Proper estate planning can assist New York...
Health care power of attorney part of long term care planning
Almost no one in New York or anywhere else wants to talk about their end-of-life issues and how they should be dealt with. It's a situation few people are comfortable with and even fewer are equipped to handle. Regardless of the discomfort it causes to discuss, a...
Lawsuits over $300M estate continue
When an individual dies, his or her assets and debts must be distributed and paid. In most cases, estate planning documents such as a will or trust help direct loved ones in determining how assets and possessions are to be distributed. Sometimes, however, a will may...
How to provide for Fido or Fluffy from the grave
During 2012, nearly 70 percent of U.S. households had a pet. The most commonly owned and beloved pets are cats and dogs and an increasing number of pet owners are taking steps to ensure and provide for their pet's future wellbeing. We've likely all witnessed pet...
Accomplishing estate planning goals more challenging for unmarried couples
We frequently discuss how estate planning matters pertain to married individuals and couples. Of course all individuals, regardless of marital status, would be wise to take steps to set up an estate plan and plan for end of life matters. For couples who choose not to...
Providing for a child or adult with special needs
Parents raising a child with special needs are often overcome by the daily tasks associated with providing for a child’s care and wellbeing. Children with physical or mental disabilities often require special medical care and benefit from additional counseling...
Estate planning documents to help plan for the unexpected
Life can be unpredictable and is full of surprises, both good and bad. While there is often no way to anticipate or predict when an individual may be adversely impacted by an illness or accident, there are steps one can take to control what happens next. Every...
Perelman-Cohen estate litigation turns burden of proof to son
When a loved one dies, it is time for families to pull together and grieve for their loss. Unfortunately, when wealth is involved, that often doesn't happen. Relatives are worried they may be cheated out of their inheritance and instead of the loss bringing them...