Losing a family member is always rough. Grief can be debilitating but is a necessary process that can also bring healing. The process of probating a will is often a task that is best done by a professional who can represent you instead of you having to deal with it....
Month: September 2014
Are you eligible to file probate litigation against a will?
Who can challenge a will? This may seem like a silly question -- you should be able to challenge any relative's estate plan, right? Not so fast. Experts in New York say that contesting a will requires a very specific set of circumstances. A relative who is miffed...
The importance of a will under New York law
Although most of us dread thinking about our mortality, the fact remains that one day we will all eventually move on and leave other family members behind. Even if you don't own much property or assets, taking the time to create a will before you pass can save your...
Estate administration and probate: When things go wrong
When a loved one dies, many surviving family members are surprised to find out that the estate process is more complicated than they expected. How smoothly the process works is largely dependent on how well the person set his or her affairs in order, but even when...
Should I buy insurance for my long term care planning?
Long term care planning is often done in a mad dash to help an elderly New York family member who has suddenly fallen ill. However, it is always best to complete one's long term care planning well in advance of when it needs to be used. Indeed, the earlier one takes...
Trusts in New York have a specific distribution schedule
In New York, many people set up a trust in order to add a layer of protection and place assets with a specifically designed legal entity. This may be a family member or, more often, a trusted attorney who approves expenditures from the trust. Sometimes it is necessary...
What are my responsibilities as an executor?
If you have been named as the executor for a New York resident's estate, you may have a lot of questions about your personal role. How do you comply with legal regulations regarding the execution of your loved one's estate? Who can you turn to during this difficult...
Does New York law recognize holographic wills?
A holographic will is essentially a will hand-written by a person, known as the testator, for the benefit of others after he or she dies. Old movies were notorious for using scenes of characters creating holographic wills. Perhaps you remember a Western in which a...
Long term care planning should include placement options
Not every nursing home is created equal, which is why health care placement options should be a part of your long term care planning. Do you have a specific facility in mind, or are there some things you would like loved ones to avoid when selecting a nursing home if...
Estate planning strategies for individuals without children
New York residents who do not have children may have some unique questions when it comes to the estate planning process. For example, who will be one's caregiver if a medical infirmity results in mental or physical incapacitation? There are several pieces of advice...